Issue date: 6/29/09 Section: News

As the 2009 spring semester was coming to an end, the new Chief of Police, Anthony Martin, was just beginning his duties at PUC. Martin has been in law enforcement for 38 years.
For the last two years, Martin served as the Chief of Police and Director for Public Safety at Central State University in Ohio.

In the short amount of time since he has been at PUC, Martin said he has already started looking through rules for the best practices for the department.
"Just about everything we do other than breathing is governed by some policy and procedure, because we have so much of an effect on other peoples lives … police are not at liberty to do their own thing," said Martin.
When it comes to the police force, Martin wants to ensure there are enough personnel on duty to provide safety to the students and staff on campus.
"We don't want Purdue University to have an armed campus with police officers on every corner," said Martin.
Martin said they are looking for new ways to reach students and staff with changes in patrol patterns and how to patrol. One change in patrol patterns will be a transition for police cars to walking and alternative vehicles.
"We want to be visible but not intrusive," Martin said.
Martin has been asked by students if the department is going to get more police, and he plans on making a request for more units, but realizes extra police could be a strain on funding.
With a degree in public administration, Martin said he would like to have an opportunity to teach within the next three years.
Former interim Chief of Police, Leo Finnerty has been assigned as an interim detective for the campus. His job will involve criminal investigations, updating the crime log and working close to the Police Chief. Detective Finnerty was also a detective for the Hobart Police.
Finnerty said he applied for a permanent position.
"It's in Human Resource's hands," said Detective Finnerty.
Finnerty was unable to apply to be a permanent Chief of Police due to not having a degree.

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