On Oct. 7, CWU campus police partnered with CWU Dining Services to put together the annual police barbecue. Police who serve CWU students on the daily served hotdogs and hamburgers. 

The police barbecue event took place outside the public safety building. The purpose of this event was to better the communication between police and students and to give students a chance to learn about safety precautions. 

Jason Berthon-Koch is the chief of CWU Police.

“We want the event to be a fun time for students to talk with the officers and get to know those who serve the students,” Berthon-Koch said. “And to let them know that the police department is here to help the students.” 

When it comes to students who are too intimidated to talk to the police, Chief Berthon-Koch said that the police changed their uniforms to tan pants and a black shirt. This way barriers are broken and police officers are more approachable to the students. 

“All I can say to the person who doesn’t want to come up is give us a try and come up and talk to us,” Berthon-Koch said. 

Berthon-Koch mentioned that 80% of campus police are CWU graduates. They have an understanding of the experiences students might expect about safety. 

Berthon-Koch mentioned services that the campus police offer, such as a women’s self-defense class, personal safety talks and programming within the residence halls. 

“In all of their safety needs, we play a part,” Berthon-Koch said. 

A particular safety situation on campus is facing wild animals such as raccoons. Berthon-Koch gave safety tips on how to handle situations that could endanger students. 

“With any wild animal, give them space and don’t confront them,” Berthon-Koch said. “They don’t want to confront you just as much as you don’t want to confront them.”

Walking late at night is something that CWU students will have to do for reasons like studying late. Berthon-Koch explained that in this situation, students should stay off their phones and stay in tune with their surroundings. 

“Regardless of where you are, always be aware and know where your exits are and who is around you,” Berthon-Koch said. “Put your phone away and look up when walking and talk to people instead of text.” 

CWU students described their experiences with talking to campus police. 

Rhi Martin, a junior, said she often talks to the police. 

“I’ve talked to them a bunch,” Martin said. “Especially last year since I was a [Residence Advisor] and they are pretty cool and really helpful. They always help you out no matter what.” 

Another student Tristan Zug mentioned his own experience with talking to CWU campus police. 

“The police here are great, I talk to them all the time,” Zug said. 

Students also gave their own two cents on safety tips on campus after dark.

Besides not texting, another thing that students suggested was using your ears. Dylan Samson said that when he is out at night he walks with his earbuds out. 

At the barbecue, a drunk driving and marijuana simulation cart was set up to raise awareness of drunk driving. The game consisted of students wearing drunk goggles and going behind the wheel of a cart, thus simulating a drunk driver. 

“It’s an educational piece for students to know not to drink and drive. Even in a simple cart, you’re gonna hit cones that you don’t think you normally would,” Berthon-Koch said. 

Public relations major Jackson Sorensen had the chance to try the cart set up. 

“I saw three cones when there was only one and I couldn’t tell which one was real,” Sorensen said. 

Berthon-Koch mentioned his main piece of advice to CWU faculty, staff and students. 

“Take an active role in your personal safety. Read magazines and articles on preparedness before an incident happens,” Berthon-Koch said.