Albany State University News May 31, 2016 ASU law-enforcement, public safety units now include Darton One more aspect of the consolidation process at Albany State University has moved forward: On June 1, Albany State University police department began providing policing services for the Darton State College campus. On Thursday, June 2, officers will be sworn in at the Dougherty County Courthouse. "We have two good departments that have are now working together as one great department," said ASU Police Chief John Fields. "The Darton officers are excited, the ASU officers are excited. We want everyone to understand that our enthusiasm comes from knowing that we now have a department that is designed for greater efficiencies and more effectiveness than before. We are better prepared to raise the bar when it comes to ensuring the safety of everyone on both campuses." Fields, who has been at ASU since 2007 and served as police chief since 2011, said this effort is about more than numbers; it is about taking the best of both institutions with safety and good policing as the focus. He said the university community can expect a greater police presence on both campuses, more community-oriented policing and increased services at the Darton campus. He cited one example of improvement as the ASU command center now being available to both campuses; Darton has not had a dispatcher in the past or adequate coverage for night patrol. "A safe campus environment supports student success, including degree attainment," said ASU President Art Dunning. "In fact, a safe campus is among the major criteria parents and students use when considering college options. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment, and bringing together these experienced and highly skilled forces is a testament to that commitment." As a part of the change, former Darton Police Chief James Brackin has a new role in the department. Brackin is now the major of police, and will focus on all law-enforcement efforts at the Darton campus. Department officers have begun cross-training and general-training efforts. Police vehicles and uniforms have been updated to illustrate the change. Efficiencies will be realized as third-party contractors for night patrol are eliminated and part-time officers are no longer needed. "This is another exciting development for us," said Richard Carvajal, interim president at Darton. "We will make more than 900 decisions about the university before this consolidation is completed. I think we can all agree that a move that fills vacancies at both departments through working together, and increases services and opportunities for all is great news." Other key consolidation decisions include the recent announcement of the five colleges of the new ASU, including the Darton College of Health Professions. Dunning and Carvajal said consolidation will create a larger university that better serves the needs of the community and region. Final Board of Regents approval of consolidation is expected in January 2017. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ Register here http://hbculibraries.org/html/2016meeting-form.html for the October 10,11 Membership Meeting in Atlanta. [Sized Coming Soon]NEW DIGS!!!! The HBCU Library Alliance is relocating to the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library. July 1st is target date for transition. Stay tuned!!! LYRASIS, Inc. 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 150 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.