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Student employees
The police department’s student employees play a vital role in providing police services to the Flagstaff campus community. At NAUPD, students have the opportunity to serve the public while earning valuable work experiences. While students with interest in law enforcement careers are preferred, student employees represent a vast cross section of backgrounds and academic interests. The department also participates with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to offer internships, and some students even work with us in a volunteer status.
Student Traffic Controllers
Campus intersections are primarily controlled by 4-way stop signs (though we do have three traffic lights!) which can become backlogged quickly at class changes. The sheer volume of motor vehicles, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians sometimes requires active intervention to help everyone reach their destination safely, and efficiently. The Student Traffic Controller program was founded in 2008 in response to the rapidly changing traffic conditions of a growing campus.
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Duties
The Student Traffic Controllers (STCs) work to identify the most critical traffic intersections and staff those intersections during peak periods to keep everything moving smoothly. STCs also assist police officers with traffic control when hazardous roadway conditions exist due to traffic collisions or other emergency conditions. They also have “overtime” opportunities for special events like football games and commencement, where they are paid an enhanced rate for their services.
Training and authority
Sworn police officers provide STCs with 2 hours of classroom training and several hours of practical training before they achieve solo operational status. STCs are equipped with police radios, traffic safety vests, and other personal protection equipment when they are working in the field. An STC directing traffic at an intersection is acting on behalf of the police department, and represents the departments authority to regulate traffic on campus, so please pay attention and follow all directions when you see an STC in an intersection!
University Safety Aides
The Flagstaff Mountain Campus has over one hundred buildings on over 350 developed acres. How does the NAU Police Department keep it all secure? We do it with the help of the University Safety Aides! The University Safety Aide (USA) program was started in the 1990’s, primarily as a safety escort service. Over the years, the program’s scope has expanded significantly.
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Extra eyes and ears
First and foremost, USAs are an auxiliary patrol unit. They patrol campus on foot in teams of two or three and are trained to detect, observe, and report suspicious activity, or hazardous conditions. USAs are not allowed to engage in adversarial contact with citizens or crime suspects, however they are in direct radio communications with patrol officers at all times.
Securing the campus
USAs are also responsible for checking building security and ensuring doors, windows, and other points of access are secured at night. USAs can issue “building violations” which notify building managers of observed security deficiencies.
Safe Walk Program
Another important service the USAs provide is the Safe Walk program. USAs will provide an on-foot escort to any individual to and from on campus destinations. This service is provided by the USAs from 8pm to midnight on weekdays and 8pm to 2am weekends, and is available by calling 928-523-3611.
Other duties as assigned
USAs also assist police officers with completing witness statements, managing crime scenes which have been rendered safe, controlling traffic, and other duties as assigned. USAs also receive two hours’ paid observation time per month, to encourage professional development of those interested in law enforcement careers. USAs also enjoy opportunities to work at special events for enhanced pay rates.
Police Aides
The police aide program is our most comprehensive, pre-professional experience for students. Police aides are promoted from internal candidates within the Student Traffic Controller and University Safety Aide programs. They undergo a more intensive training program, handle a wider variety of calls for service, and have a more extensive role in supporting the department’s operations.
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Patrol support
Police aides work within the patrol division and are trained to recognize, observe, and report criminal activity and hazardous conditions. Under certain circumstances, police aides investigate non-felony crimes which do not have any apparent suspects or leads, and complete police reports for documentation. Police aides also investigate private property traffic collisions, handle some medical calls, provide public assistance services (escorts, jump starts, etc.) and assist patrol officers with their investigations.
Other duties
Police aides also help to manage the NAUPD vehicle fleet, conducting inventory and inspection, and handling maintenance. They are also responsible for the maintenance and deployment of traffic awareness equipment trailers. They also assist with property and evidence handling, as well as special events and operations.
Administrative student employees
Students also work in the administrative sections of our department as both paid employees and interns. These students often conduct office and clerical duties, assist with the maintenance of police records, or help maintain proofs of compliance for our CALEA accreditation.