Know your rights

There are hundreds of different situations in which a student might interact with the University Police, and it is often difficult for students to view these interactions as positive. 

Aside from attending classes, living in a college-community is also part of the overall college-learning experience. In all communities police departments, and the officers within, work towards keeping the citizens within those communities safe. Police officers play a crucial role in every community because they're there to enforce the laws that govern the communities in which citizens have decided to live.

Contrary to student opinion, the fact remains that the police are simply here to keep us safe while enforcing the laws of the state of New Hampshire. When asked, "What rights do students have when confronted by University Police?", Chief Doyle of the University Police Department suggested that the term "interact" rather than "confront" be used because the term "confronted" suggests that the Police are driving up and down the street looking for anyone who might be up to trouble.This would refer to an illegal action known as "fishing." Therefore the term "interact" is much more suitable in this context because it puts police and civilians on an even playing field, and doesn't suggest that police are fishing for criminals.  

Chief Doyle stated, "In general, a police officer has the right to interact with a citizen at any time in a public or private place as long as the police officer has the right to be there." He continued, "It's only in totalitarian states where police can grab a hold of you on a public street and violate your rights." The majority of police activity at PSU has to do with University policy. 

Doyle went on to say, "Different police departments have different policies when it comes to enforcing certain things. Here at the University... including University Police, there's a very strict attitude about alcohol and drug regulations." He also added, "It's probably unlikely that a University Police Officer, who finds you to have consumed alcohol illegally, is going to let you walk away, because that's the institution's policy. They feel strongly enough about it." 

In terms of what questions students actually have to answer, Chief Doyle said it "always depends on the circumstances." 

According to Criminal Justice Department Professor, Dr. Mark Fischler, "Students only have to answer informational questions that help police do their job." Therefore students are not required to answer any accusatory questions, or as Dr. Fischler put it, students "don't have to answer anything that could incriminate them." 

Dr. Fischler also emphasized the point that, "Students need to remember that police don't have to read you Miranda warnings if you aren't in custody even when  they want to ask you questions." 

Student interaction with University police is usually a result of their own actions, so it is suggested that when in these situations, students should not judge officers of the law based on preconceptions.

The fact remains that police officers are here to help students, and it's disrespectful for a student to treat an officer with a bad attitude. If a student has broken the law, they must realize that it is UPD's job to enforce the law if they are caught.

"Respect is the key," said Chief Doyle. Treat the police with the respect they deserve, and you will be treated with respect in return. 

For more information on student rights, take a walk down to the University Police station on High Street and talk to an officer. Take it upon yourself to know your rights and keep yourself protected.