Aurora (Illinois) University Director of Campus Public Safety (CPS) Gary Bolt recently said his experience as retired deputy chief of the Naperville Police Department has helped shape his approach to keeping the school safe.
“A campus community is just a microcosm of society, so in many respects the work is the same,” Bolt said. “With a campus community we have an undergraduate population that is concentrated in a specific age group, but also have adult learners that are furthering their education. CPS officers focus on helping students succeed and ensuring they have an environment conducive to learning. We understand our students will make mistakes and we, as an integral part of the university, want them to learn from those experiences as they move forward.”
Bolt's focus on collaboration has earned his recognition from school officials. Bolt uses his understanding of municipal police work to leverage the school's relationship with the local Aurora Police Department, which he described as respected partners in the school's attempt to stay safe. He also encourages his officers to collaborate with university staff.
“My colleagues at CPS are extremely dedicated to the university, its students and mission,” Bolt said. “We work across all areas of the university in a collaborative effort to make sure the university community is a safe environment. The CPS staff understands we cannot do it alone. It takes everyone at [Aurora University] to help.”
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