As with Jacksonville University most campus settings around the nation experience similar outside influences that may or may not contribute to crime and safety concerns.

With 35 years in law enforcement, Gordon Bass, Director of Campus Security adheres to the principles of community oriented policing; following one of the principles established by Sir Robert Peele, considered to be the father of modern policing.

One of Peele’s nine principles Bass believes is crucial in crime prevention efforts in our community states; “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”

“I consider our campus setting here at JU analogous to that of being a pearl in a prime location within the greater Arlington area of Jacksonville,” said Bass. “It is up to us to keep that protective, public safety shell intact.”

“All of us must assume a role of responsibility in protecting ourselves, our campus and our community,” Bass said. “I maintain strong ties and close personal relationships with members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.  I am already discussing and planning crime prevention and safety and awareness workshops for our students and faculty, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office. “

Students, faculty and visitors should be aware that in society there are those who prey upon others who would become their victim of criminal acts. The criminal is an opportunist who looks for the vulnerable.

“My goal is sound prevention strategies which involve solid partnerships with the Security Professionals on staff here at JU, the officers of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the students, faculty and guests of our great university,” said Bass.  “I will refer to the P.I.E strategy, P.I.E. being the acronym for prevention, intervention and enforcement.”

The university has a sound public safety and awareness plan, coupled with the policies and procedures; the student handbook included. As with any plans, policies or rules which are put in place for the safety of everyone, it is only as good as the level of adherence to them. Of course good plans become even better with fresh ideas and input, therefore there is a review process that is in place that will be maintained.

“I absolutely think JU is a safe environment; we’ve taken necessary precautions,” said President Romesburg. “We discourage walking down the street at night. It’s a shame and I wish it were not.”

In the past two years JU has built a new fence and gate to better facilitate the traffic coming onto campus, said Romesburg. Locking the campus down earlier also helps to ensure safety. The officer presence in the night shift has doubled to ensure better protection. A siren has been placed in the Davis Student Commons to allow all students that a danger is on campus, a text message will also be sent to the student’s phone.

“We are trying to do more on campus because it is unsafe to leave campus on foot at night,” said Romesburg. “That’s why developing the Green is so important to me.”

In relation to the outside population coming on to campus from the gates, Bass says, campus security needs to be made aware of these incidents as they are occurring. It also helps to know additional details such as the most prevalent dates or times of occurrence, if another student is inviting them on campus, any known vehicle information, names and descriptions and the methods how they are gaining access to the campus.

“Safety could definitely be improved on campus by better monitoring of who walks onto campus,” said sophomore Allison Wilkins.

Security Professionals and the Sheriff’s Office can work to remove the people and deter future encroachments by use of trespass warnings and subsequent law enforcement actions if necessary.

According to Bass, the opening at the gate on South Campus presents a potentially serious matter that needs to be addressed. Those very individuals who come on campus and do not belong can use it. I would discourage the use of this area and security will need to remain vigilant to address unauthorized ingress and egress at this point.

“I feel comfortable on campus, but unsafe once I exit the perimeter,” said junior Katherine Thomas.

Students are cautioned about leaving the campus at certain hours and should travel with others when it becomes necessary to do so.  The reason for locking the gates is for safety and security.

“In a campus oriented policing or safety initiative it is very similar to policing in various neighborhoods throughout the city,” said Bass.

Officers have to be approachable, willing to listen to the concerns or issues, and work together with all stakeholders to resolve the problems or issues in the most effective manner, said Bass.

“I used to let citizens in our community know that if we are not aware of a crime problem we can’t take action to resolve it,” said Bass. “The solution may not always be pleasing to everyone but I am focused on doing the right thing and for the right reason. We have a great university.  Let’s all work together to maintain a safe, secure learning environment.”

Students interested in getting involved with the safety at JU can become involved in the on-campus Sheriff’s Advisory Council.  This will give students a voice and a platform in which to discuss with Police Commanders as well as Bass, any security or safety concerns prevalent to the campus. Students will also receive feedback at subsequent meetings on how the issue is resolved. Choose not to become a victim and get involved.

Photo by: Grace Singer

Gordon A. Bass, Jr. has been named new Director of Campus Security. He has over thirty years of experience in law enforcement and was hired after a national search.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Bass worked up the ranks during his 34 years at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He held multiple positions including Director of the Department of Corrections, Chief of the Detective Division, Chief of the Community Affairs Division, Assistant Chief of the Patrol Division and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. He retired and took an opportunity as the Undersheriff in Nassau County, Florida.

When the Director of Campus Security position became available, Bass was ready for a change. Bass interviewed for this position in front of student leaders and the administration.

Education is a main concern for Bass as he holds dual Master of Arts degrees from Webster University. His degrees are in security management and human resources development specializing in organizational development and training. Bass is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

Campus security has been an issue in previous years. Incidents have decreased, but the feeling of security is still something to strive for on campus. Bass wants to provide a safe environment for every student, faculty and staff members, and visitors that cross onto campus.

Bass’ main focus is to provide a safe and secure environment working in conjunction with the administration to ensure the safety of all those on campus. Bass wants Campus Security to be an approachable and efficient public safety entity.

The director would like to maintain an open door policy with the members of the Jacksonville University community. He wants to become visible on campus to the students, faculty, and staff. Bass believes that he can learn what and where our security problems are by becoming close with the school community.

Although Bass already has ideas for change, he is waiting to get to know the school and the concerns that need to be fulfilled.

With his family closely connected to Jacksonville University, the offer of campus security director was a “welcomed opportunity.” Bass’s wife and two of his three children graduated from the school so he already understands the close-knit feeling of the school. Because of his close family ties to the school, he feels he is very sympathetic to the concerns of the families of students and faculty.

“I love it here,” said Bass. “JU is an excellent higher education institute. I began my first day working here, and it feels like home already.”

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is gearing up for its first semester on campus by introducing new members of three different Greek organizations.

In Fall 2011 the NPHC, a coordinating body for the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, will be active on JU’s campus.

“It is important that these organizations get recognition since they represent a minority,” said Davon Phillips, senior at JU.

Phillips is one of the students who are instrumental in getting the NPHC situated on JU’s campus.

Five historically African American fraternities and sororities, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta, will be united through the overarching organization. The other four members of the Divine Nine do not have chapters at Jacksonville University.

“It’s a system that is built to support the culture and history of our organizations,” Philips said. “It is important to have a connection.”

Alyssia Cousins, member of Delta Sigma Theta, also helped to initiate the formation of the NPHC on JU’s campus. As a group that unifies minorities, Cousins thinks the new organization will help to showcase JU’s diversity.

“We are kind of under the radar right now,” Cousins said. “It’s exciting to see that our Greek life is growing from the ground up and is getting better.”

A JU alumni and current graduate student recalled her experience of African-American Greek life.

“Non existent,” said Danielle Gray. “There was one girl and another who was a commuter. It kind of made me regret going to JU. I thought there would be more black events.”

A probate is a traditional ‘coming-out show’ that members of the Divine Nine use to introduce new inductees of their individual organizations. Four members of Alpha Phi Alpha had a coming out show on Saturday, April 9.

Members of the NPHC from other schools came to the JU Alpha Phi Alpha in support of their Greek family. It was surreal for some. For others, it was a rebirth.

In the beginning of the festivities, a loyal crowd waited for 60 minutes outside the boundaries of the yellow tape surrounding the doors of the Howard Building. Finally, after the hired DJ showcased an hour’s worth of music, the boom of the bass gave way to a still hush.

A familiar childhood crone of an ice cream truck’s siren filled the air and a ‘Honey Dripper House’ van pulled up alongside the gathering. Four men in tan jumpsuits and a sheer black cloth covering their entire heads and faces hopped out of the back of the Honey Dripper House along with other members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Mike Henzie was one of the new fraternity members who declared his “greekdom” on that evening by claiming his colors of black and gold.”

“We plan on doing lot of community service events,” Henzie said. “We really want to get ourselves out there and get our name out there to be more well known than it is now while doing a lot to benefit the campus.”

Henzie and his three brothers strolled and stepped for the first time as new members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

This was the first time that some members of the audience ever encountered the traditional performance.

“I like it its entertaining,” said Alexis C., sophomore. “I definitely prefer it to what the other fraternities and sororities do.”

Alexis said she was impressed when they did the fireman pushups and the wall sit squats because she knows how hard they are. She said she is definitely planning on going to the next probate that JU hosts.

“It will definitely increase the social aspect and increase activities for students,” Alexis said. “It will put JU on the map for social aspects-academics are not the problem, it’s the social department.”

Two more probates of NPHC sororities will occur at Jacksonville University before the semester ends and each will embody the flair of their respective organizations. New members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated were presented in front of the Howard Building Tuesday, April 13, at 8:08 p.m.

A Zeta Phi Bata probate will occur on Saturday, April 16 in the Gooding Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.