Penn State Police Introduces New Community Policing Unit

Penn State University Police and Public Safety has established a new unit to strengthen connections with the community at University Park.

Three officers have been appointed to the Community-Oriented Policing Unit, which will have a visible presence at campus events to provide information about department services and will work with campus groups and organizations.

“As an organization, Police and Public Safety strives to be an integral part of the community, one that is engaged and widely trusted,” Charlie Noffsinger, assistant vice president for University Police and Public Safety, said in a news release. “Community policing is a philosophy embraced throughout the organization, and this new unit is an exciting step to more formally lead our department-wide efforts.”

Community policing is a philosophy and practice in which the same officers work in an area to become more familiar with residents, improve communication and build relationships to work together to address issues.

The unit will be led by Sgt. Monica Himes, who has long been a part of the department’s existing community policing activities. Joining Himes are Officers Michelle Beckenbaugh and Adam Rawding. Each will begin their new roles on Feb. 5.

“Although we employ a department-wide community-oriented policing philosophy, we feel it is so important that we wanted to have a dedicated unit available for community engagement,” Keith Morris, University Police chief at University Park, said. “Community policing was one of Monica’s many responsibilities, and due to the popularity of the various programming University Police provides, it was clear that in order to meet the demand we would need additional officers.” 

The unit will work with organizations  to provide community programs such as active-shooter training, self-defense classes and alcohol-awareness programs. It also will work with State College Borough and will play a role in the department’s recruiting efforts to increase diversity.

Morris said the unit will bring back the department’s internship program and will work with the university’s criminology department and Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The goal, he said, is for the officers to become recognizable in the campus community and be viewed as trusted resources.

‘When that trusting relationship is established, community members are more willing to work together with our officers in solving problems, which makes our community stronger,’ Morris said