University Police face challenges with new school year

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln police department enters the 2010 school year hot off a successful hosting of a major national event. Yet, despite a smoothly facilitated 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games, there are always new challenges.

While violent crime remained low last year, instances of theft and drinking increased — both issues the department plans on resolving.

Police faced fewer than 10 combined cases of assault and weapons violence for the 2009-2010 school year, according to the yearly statistics available on the UNLPD website.

Reported burglary offenses also totaled 23 for 2009, down from a total of 44 in 2008. There have been 11 burglary offenses so far in 2010.

Meanwhile, larceny and liquor violations saw a notable increase. Instances of larceny rose from 279 in 2008 to 295 in 2009, with 133 so far in 2010. Liquor violations were also up to 614 in 2009 from 490 the previous year. There have been 148 liquor violations in 2010.

New construction on campus, both current and future, has challenged the way the university police patrols.

"Innovation Campus increased the area of patrolling for UNL police," Carl Oestmann, director of patrol operations for UNLPD, wrote in an e-mail. "Additional buildings and a parking garages have been built since last year, which could affect traffic flow around and through campus. We will review and address any concerns that might come with this."

Still, nothing can dampen the success of the Special Olympics this July, which required a strong presence from both UNLPD and the Lincoln Police Department.

"The teamwork by all involved with this national event went very well," Oestmann said. "It was a pleasure for us to be ambassadors to our visitors and athletes from across the nation."

For 2010, UNLPD plan to work with UNL Student Affairs to reduce high-risk alcohol use, as well as coordinating with the university to better prepare for emergencies. UNL Police also launched a Facebook page in early 2010, complete with alerts, photos and requests for information. The page will be used to maintain interaction with the student body throughout the year.

While potential obstacles with new patrol areas and alcohol exist this semester, Oestmann does not view them as challenges.

"Instead of challenges, I would say opportunities," he said.

IANSACKS@

DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM