Understanding the Middlesex College Police Department

Across the country, interactions between citizens and law enforcement officers can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes. The Middlesex College Police Department (MCPD) prioritizes fostering positive police-community relations and ensuring that interactions and interviews are resolved without unnecessary conflict or injury to either the officer or the citizen. This article aims to provide information to help citizens better understand what to expect from a police officer during a stop or questioning on campus, while emphasizing the department's commitment to safety, service, and transparency.

Maintaining Positive Police-Community Relations

The Middlesex College Police Department places a great value on maintaining positive police community relations, and to have contacts and interviews resolved without unnecessary conflict or injury to either the officer or the citizen.

What to Expect During a Police Stop

While specific guidelines for citizens in handling contact with police cannot be provided, some general suggestions are beneficial. It's important to understand the perspective of law enforcement officers during these interactions.

Officer Safety and Cautiousness

Most citizens already realize that law enforcement is a difficult and dangerous profession. Scores of police officers are killed each year, and hundreds more are injured and assaulted. For these reasons, police officers tend to be extremely cautious. They place a great deal of emphasis on officer safety and survival. Certain safety practices are instilled in our officers from the first day of their careers. Although the procedures maximize safety for the officer, they may seem standoffish, impolite, or offensive to citizens who may not consider such precautions necessary with “them.” Even though you have no intention of doing the officer harm, he or she will probably maintain a defensive posture until the officer feels that there is no risk of confrontation or injury. As far as police officers are concerned, there is no such thing as a “routine” traffic stop.

Understanding the Officer's Perspective

Innocent individuals are often offended or angered, or both, because an officer has detained them for questioning. Although the delay might be inconvenient for you, the officer believes there is a reason (reasonable suspicion) to stop you and ask questions. The police officer does not wish to detain you any longer than necessary. Remain calm and avoid being argumentative.

Most officers will not provide a specific reason for the stop until they have received your license and proof of insurance. Answer all questions honestly. Do not become argumentative, disorderly, or abusive. If an officer has already written a ticket, it cannot be voided at that time. If you believe that you have been unfairly treated, DO NOT make that argument on the side of the road. Whether an officer issues you a ticket or gives you a warning is entirely up to their individual discretion.

Addressing Concerns and Complaints

There may be times when citizens have contact with the police and come away with feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction. The Middlesex College Police Department does not condone police misconduct of any type. In our experience, we have learned that those negative feelings are often a result of not knowing the reason(s) an officer has made certain requests or acted in a certain manner. Unfortunately, demands on a patrol officer do not always permit time for explanations at the time you are stopped.

Lost and Found

Items lost on College property are processed through the Lost and Found division located in the Gateway Building and managed by the College Police department. Most found property will be accepted by the Middlesex College Police Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, you can drop off found property to any office within the campus. Missing property should be reported as soon as the discovery is made either by calling the College Police directly at Ext. 3500 from on campus, or 732-906-2500 from off campus.

Crime Log and Transparency

The Middlesex College Police Department’s crime log is public information made available in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This crime log represents a synopsis of reportable events. There are typically six areas covered in the blotter i.e. (Nature/Classification, Date reported, time, General location, Brief description and disposition). Incidents are in chronological order. According to Federal Law, an institution may withhold any of the required fields of entry, i.e. Unfounded - The case is determined through investigation to be false or baseless. Referred to Department (RTD) - The case is referred to the appropriate supervisory employee or to the Middlesex College Human Resource Service Department. Closed - D - Re-classified. *The suspect(s) has been issued a Trespass Notice, which restricts the subject(s) from entering or accessing any college property.

Commitment to Safety and Security

We provide a safe and secure learning environment through policing practices based on the principles of service, respect, compassion, integrity, professionalism, and excellence.

Shared Services Agreement with Rutgers University

Middlesex College and the Middlesex College Police Department are pleased to announce that on Monday, July 17th, 2023, the College entered into a shared services agreement with the Rutgers University Shared Services Emergency Communications Center (SSECC). The SSECC will handle all calls, dispatch, and public safety telecommunications services for the Middlesex College Police Department (MCPD). The SSECC also handles emergency dispatching services for the Borough of Metuchen, City of New Brunswick, and all of Rutgers University’s campuses and serves as the Text to 9-1-1 site for all of Middlesex County.

Traffic Enforcement

The department also has the authority to enforce traffic rules and regulations of all vehicles on College property.

Resources

Please take a moment to watch our Surviving an Active Shooter video.

Read also: Middlesex University Details

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