Since 2018, the Marquette University Police Department has been using community liaison officers to help close the gap between law enforcement and the surrounding community.
Community liaison officers serve as a bridge between university students, faculty, staff, outside community members and law enforcement. Their roles go beyond typical policing by breaking down stereotypes, ensuring fair treatment and addressing concerns about how people are treated on campus.
Sergeant Josiah Williams is one of MUPD’s four community liaison officers; he plays a key role in making the police department more approachable for students.
“It’s important for people to be comfortable with coming to the police department even if it’s a situation where they’re not sure it’s a police matter,” Williams says. “We want to be there and let those individuals be heard.”
Community liaison officers go beyond serving as an outlet for conversation. One of their main goals is to ensure that everyone is treated in a fair and equal manner. These officers also attend cultural events and build relationships in spaces where they can be helpful resources.
“Event directors can request community liaison officers to staff their event when they want someone who could understand what’s happening,” Williams says. “For example, Officer Martinez and I went to a Hispanic celebration event. Because Martinez is part of the (Hispanic) culture, the director was able to tell us exactly what was going on so that I wasn’t alarmed or confused by traditions I didn’t know or understand.”
While working with students, faculty and staff is key to the department, members of the surrounding community also need the liaison officers.
Community members who use resources at the Rescue Mission near campus often seek Sergeant Williams or other community liaison officers to voice issues and concerns.
“Members of the Rescue Mission are important because it gets people to be comfortable with reporting and having somewhere to go to be heard and receive explanations,” Williams says. “Being able to sit and listen and then giving them those resources where they can go for aid is important.”
Ensuring safety and providing effective communication through community liaison officers helps MUPD provide the best service possible to the campus community and surrounding areas.
“No matter how big or small an issue may seem, we can help encourage students to reach out even if it’s just to have that conversation,” Williams says. “On our website, we have a link for you to email or call our office number.”
If you’d like to reach a community liaison officer, call MUPD at 414-288-6800. You’ll be directed to an officer who can best assist you with your concern.
