University's growth challenges police chief
By Andrea L. Minium Special to the Acorn

John Reid

California State University Channel Islands is growing by leaps and bounds.

The Camarillo campus projected 2,789 students for the fall 2007 semester, but enrollment numbers have already surpassed 3,500 and are expected to reach 5,400 in the next five years.

The university's growth puts CSUCI Police Chief John Reid at the head of a police department responsible for a population boom unmatched by any law enforcement agency in the county.

According to university officials, 631 students now live on the campus- a 42 percent jump from last year.

The final phase of the 900home University Glen housing development is underway and is expected to be completed by October 2009.

Erik Blaine, director of University Glen Corp., said the development will house nearly 4,000 residents once finished.

The school continues to grow not only in population but also in size.

In October the university added another 153 acres. The land will be used for a new entry road into the campus.

The growing population and changing geography present unique challenges to Reid, who took over as the university's police chief less than two years ago.

"We do have a 10year strategic plan that we want to move forward as far as adding resources to the department so it is better able to help serve a larger population," Reid said. "It's really a big issue for everybody, you know, as far as how you manage today where you will be in five to 10 years."

Every year the police department continues to add one to two staff members, either police officers, dispatchers or student assistants.

"It is difficult because everyone needs to grow in capacity, grow people and resources, and the amount of money that comes in is finite." Reid said

The chief said having a department on a secluded campus allows police officers to respond quickly. That continual presence has helped keep the crime rate low on campus.

Reid said it's easy for students on the bucolic campus to be "lulled" into a sense of complacency.

"People have this idea that there is nothing bad that can happen and they do not have to worry about what is going on or their safety, and that is just not true." Reid said.

CSUCI police Lt. Mike Morris said during the current semester the department has seen one vehicle burglary, 14 thefts and six vandalisms.

In addition to the potential for more crime, the growing student population creates different problems for Reid and his police department.

Earlier this month, a 24yearold student admitted to investigators that she had made up a story about a latenight kidnapping attempt on the campus in October.

Reid said students can help avoid crime by keeping in mind a few simple safety tips.

The chief said those on campus should always be aware of their surroundings, carry mace, use the university's shuttle service and park their cars in welllit areas at night; they should not walk alone.

He also said it's important to not leave personal property unattended, in plain view on car seats or in unlocked dorm rooms.

"Crime happens to people," Reid said, "and crime happens in communities, and we are a community of people."