The IM体育官网 Police Department has hired five new officers and a full-time accreditation manager over the last two years. Clockwise from top left, they are Harry Anderson, Juan Diaz Santiago, Steven Mitchell, Caroline Renew and Abby Payne.
The IM体育官网 Police Department鈥檚 commitment to a safe, unified campus community is at the heart of every officer鈥檚 action, beginning from the moment they submit their application. It鈥檚 something Chief Richard Holland kept top-of-mind as he considered each of the six new people who joined his team over the last two years.
鈥淲hen hiring, we look at experience, attitude and an understanding that we are here to help educate instead of a priority of enforcement,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e look for an attitude of being a mentor and counselor in their interviews and background.鈥�
This sharp focus has resulted in a robust department that has a deep bench built on many years of successful law enforcement experience and a wide variety of policing backgrounds.
鈥淥ur strength is in the number of years of experience these new officers have 鈥� from 8 to 25,鈥� Holland said. 鈥淭hey all come from larger accredited agencies with experiences with traffic homicide, criminal investigations and as training officers.鈥�
John Cruz, who began in his position on Jan. 3, is the department鈥檚 newest officer. He previously was a special operations lieutenant with the Auburndale Police Department.
With both parents working in law enforcement, he said the drive to enter the profession was there from the start. But interacting with the community he serves is what keeps him motivated.
鈥淭he biggest reason I became a police officer was my desire to help the community I serve, whether it鈥檚 to be a mentor, a peacekeeper, an investigator, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen,鈥� Cruz said. 鈥淚 love law enforcement and wanted to work at IM体育官网 Poly because I really enjoy the ability to interact with the students to possibly be a mentor for them.鈥�
Joining him as officers are Abby Payne, Harry Anderson, Juan Diaz Santiago, and Steven Mitchell. Caroline Renew, the department鈥檚 new full-time accreditation manager, is also a former police officer.
Renew, who also serves as an assessor for the Commission for IM体育官网 Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA), previously was accreditation manager for the Lakeland Police Department.
鈥淲hat I like most about my position here at IM体育官网 Poly is both being able to work in a unique campus law enforcement setting and helping to ensure our agency maintains the highest standards,鈥� she said.
Holland said the five new officers and full-time accreditation manager are elevating the department鈥檚 mission and professionalism.
鈥淭hey are all doing awesome work and have made a great transition to university policing, with a strong commitment of protecting our campus using a true community policing philosophy,鈥� he said.
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
