With one third of its officers receiving new badges, the Department of Public Safety held its largest promotional ceremony ever last week.
The promotions of nine officers allowed Public Safety to create five new sergeant positions, with one newly appointed sergeant focusing on crime investigation.
Newly promoted to the position of sergeant were Geymone Butler, Keith Means, Bob Pensinger, Auddis Ward and John Cowles, who also became head of investigations.
Ray Craft was promoted to major. Officers Steve Means and Yotis Norwood were advanced to the rank of lieutenant.
The position of Crime Prevention Coordinator was awarded to Nikki Acerra.
Public Safety associate director Derek Myers said the promotional ceremony is a reflection of a positive trend for campus police.
“These officers have done excellent work to make sure the campus is safe,” Myers said. “We only had one car stolen this year and crime is down 30 percent.”
Bruce Harber, director of Public Safety, said the promotions will place more qualified people in administrative positions.
“This is the group that has been doing the job,” Harber said. “This gives us a chance to put them in leadership positions to help the department become more efficient and effective.”
Keith Means said he is content to see that Public Safety and The University acknowledge the service of campus police officers.
“It shows the department will recognize when someone works hard,” Means said. “It’s important employees know they are thanked.”
Craft said the Public Safety department can even have an impact on crime in general through awareness and crime prevention programs.
“Parents and children need education to stop violence. We have an awareness program at Campus School to educate children on guns, drugs and gangs. We need to get younger students and college students together to stop this violence,” Craft said, referring to the rash of violent crimes sweeping the Memphis area recently.
Craft added that the priority of campus police is to ensure that students and parents are safe at The University of Memphis.
“It is important that students feel safe on the campus. It’s also important that parents feel their children are safe on campus.”
