The new campus police substation, located in the Career Technology Center, or V building on 16th and C, will remain unoccupied, according to campus police Sgt. Lou Zizzo.
“We have an issue with our radio reception,” Zizzo said. “Until we have this squared away we are going to be in this office here (in T-211).”
Police were scheduled to move to their new station upon completion of the V building, but found that “there is a small area in the basement where the radio transmission isn’t covered,” said campus project manager Thomas Fine, in an e-mail response to questions.
“The problem that College Police is facing (is) due to the fact that the substation is located below ground level,” Fine explained. The construction…is made up of solid concrete walls and decks, therefore causing the…issues.”
Fine also stated that the district is currently in the process of procuring the necessary radio transmission equipment that will “boost” the existing system, so that the issue is resolved.
“I am told that this equipment will be…installed before the end of the Fall semester, so that College Police can move to their new substation,” Fine noted.
Fine confirms that there was no failure by either the design team or campus police to communicate their needs prior to the construction of the design.
“At the time of design, everyone provides input and reviews how systems and equipment should work,” Fine explained. “Once construction was completed, College Police tested the radio transmission coverage and determined that it needed a ‘boost.’ They did not want to move into the space until the radio transmission ‘boost’ was in place.”
While campus police officers and staff wait for the new equipment to be installed, students and staff have expressed some concern as to the location of the new substation, which is at the furthest point from the center of campus.
“(We share the) concerns of students and staff,” Sgt. Zizzo responded. “That is just our office. Our officers are actually around the field driving around. That’s not going to change.”
Zizzo advises students, faculty and staff to program 388-6405– police dispatch–into their phone.
“You can (talk directly to dispatch) by pressing 1,” Zizzo said. “Of course, if you have an emergency, call 911.”
Student Simon Kirkland likes the new location.
“Being next to (the) parking structure, I think is nice to keep the cars (and people) safe,” Kirkland said.
Sgt. Zizzo said there will be a campus notification through district e-mail informing when their move will take place.