University Police to Respond to Greek Houses First
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2006
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
University Police to Respond to Greek Houses First
California State University, Chico and the City of Chico have signed an agreement to share policing responsibilities of fraternity and sorority chapter houses recognized by the University, effective April 1.
The University Police Department will be the first responding agency for law enforcement matters to the campus-recognized Greek houses. Both police departments will continue to work cooperatively in responding to calls in areas near campus. Jurisdictional authority for the off-campus chapter houses will remain with the City of Chico and the Chico Police Department.
Chico City Manager Greg Jones, Chico Police Chief Bruce Hagerty, University Police Chief Leslie Deniz and University Vice President for Business and Finance Dennis Graham attended a news conference to discuss this agreement March 30.
Deniz said an increased role for University Police with chapter houses was one of the recommendations to emerge from task forces formed last spring to address Greek life and related student issues. “University police can work with other offices on campus to help these students stay safe and abide by the new requirements they have,” she said.
Both police chiefs said the agreement is another sign of a close working relationship between the University and the city. “We work well together, which benefits students and all citizens of Chico,” said Hagerty. “The ‘town-gown’ relationship is strong and continues to grow,” Deniz said. “We are all pleased we were able to reach this agreement.”
Deniz said fraternities and sorority leaders are aware of the coming switchover to University Police as first responders. There are currently 16 sorority and fraternity chapter houses affiliated with CSU, Chico.
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