"We are not bound by tradition, nor are we limited to our own understanding or to the wisdom of men. In short, this is a very unusual university."
- President Kim B. Clark
BYU-Idaho organizing university security
In response to a recent change involving the Rexburg Police Department and Brigham Young University-Idaho, the University Division of the Rexburg Police Department was realigned on Oct. 2. The change was prompted by an opinion from the Idaho attorney general mandating that employees of a private university cannot be state-authorized peace officers.
University police officers have always been under the direction of the city of Rexburg. Pursuant to the new agreement, police officers patrolling on campus will not only be under the direct supervision of the Rexburg City Police, but will also be Rexburg City employees.
A new organization is being formed by the university to provide security functions on the BYU-Idaho campus. Some of the duties of the new campus security organization are to provide safety for students, employees and visitors to campus, as well as to protect campus facilities and other assets. A new University Security Council is also being formed to develop strategy, policy and procedures for the organization.
"The process of establishing our new security force is complex and will take some time to do it wisely," said James Smyth, University Resources vice president. "We are striving to keep employees affected by the change well informed."
Smyth added, "We believe the university and its students will be well served by our new campus security organization and ongoing local police protection. No one should notice any material difference. Police protection on campus has always been under the direction of the Rexburg Police Department."
The city of Rexburg has hired five former BYU-Idaho employees to work in its police department. Because of the financial burden this shift has placed on the city of Rexburg, BYU-Idaho is providing financial assistance to the city including the donation of much of its law enforcement equipment.
"The transition was a very cooperative effort between the city and university," said Dean of Students Kevin Miyasaki, who has been heavily involved in the change. "It's always been the practice that the university has supported the city in funding police protection on our campus, and we are now continuing to do that in a manner that is in compliance with the attorney general's opinion."
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E-mail: brownme@byui.edu
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Brigham Young University-Idaho is a four-year private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers both baccalaureate and associate degrees; integrated degrees and internships that are tailored to fit students' interests; a year-round track system allowing more students to attend; and an extensive Student Activities Program that provides leadership and growth experiences. It is the largest private university in Idaho, with more than 13,000 students enrolled for Winter Semester 2008.
Style Note: When reporting about Brigham Young University-Idaho, please use the complete name of the university in the first reference. On second reference, BYU-Idaho is preferred.