The Undergraduate Student Government invited Public Safety Director Zach DuBois to discuss changes to public safety and swore in new members on Oct. 19.

Guest Speaker: Zach DuBois

DuBois discussed the use of body cameras for public safety officers and additional changes to the public safety department.

Public Safety has decided to implement body cameras on their officers, according to USG Vice President Jake Manske. Public Safety intends to buy the cameras in November, distribute the cameras and train officers from December to January, and use them at the beginning of the Spring 2024 semester.

According to the Body Worn Camera FAQs handout, the department is employing body worn cameras to “enhance community and officer safety; promote transparency, accountability, and community trust; and aid in preventing, responding to, and investigating incidents.”

“The plan has been given the green light,” Manske said. “However, (Public Safety has) not gotten any student input, which is why the director asked me to bring it before the general council to get your take on body worn cameras.”

Body worn cameras are small, portable cameras that use a red light to indicate when the camera is on and recording both audio and video.

Body cameras will be used when officers are responding to or investigating incidents. They will not be used in places where there is an expectation of privacy like bathrooms and locker rooms, and will be equipped when in uniform patrol. Community members are encouraged to ask the officer if the camera is on.

“Technology is advancing. It’s a natural progression, and we’re just trying to keep up with that,” DuBois said.

Officers will be trained on how to use the cameras and must complete training before wearing the device. If an officer does not abide by protocol, they will undergo review and can face repercussions.

DuBois has implemented other changes as well. Public Safety officers will begin wearing black shirts instead of gray shirts as a change to their uniforms, and the department vehicles will be changed from light gray to dark gray.

DuBois announced that Parking Services will be renamed to Transportation Services, and will no longer operate as part of the Department of Public Safety.

Special Election Outcomes:

USG also swore in new members. The remaining positions will undergo an appointment process with the Executive Board.

The newly elected members and their roles are:

Senior Engagement Senator: Maddy Johansen

Out-of-State Senator: Samuel Haggas

Greater Minnesota Senator: Erik Aamold

The next general meeting will be at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Iverson Center for Faith.

Gwynnevere Vang can be reached at vang5129@stthomas.edu.