Elizabeth Neagle is a junior psychology major from Orefield, PA. While walking in the HUB one day during her sophomore year, Neagle noticed a flyer that had been posted on the bulletin board for quite some time.
The flyer was advertising a position for grad students to become Campus Police dispatchers. She had already been on two ride-alongs with her uncle, who is a police lieutenant in Bettendorf, IA, and had a great experience both times. So, despite being an undergrad, and not having any interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement, Neagle applied.
The application process was quite simple; all she did was email Campus Police stating that she was interested in being considered for the position of dispatcher. Neagle felt like this would be an interesting change of pace.
Her hopes of getting hired were not high, however, because the flier was specifically advertising to graduate students. Figuring she had nothing to lose, she applied anyway.
Then, one day, while at dinner, Neagle received an email from Campus Police letting her know that they were interested in having her come in for an interview.
The interview itself was informal; a full-time dispatcher was present as Neagle answered some questions about campus safety. After that, she was hired and began her training.
The training was straightforward. For a few hours every week, Neagle went to the Campus Police office and worked alongside a seasoned dispatcher. She would go through the routine that every dispatcher must complete during their shift, all while under supervision. After completing her training, Neagle was allowed to work the desk unsupervised.
The responsibilities of a Campus Police dispatcher include a multitude of things.
Neagle is in charge of communicating with the officers and any people who come into the office. Most importantly, she is responsible for gathering all the necessary information from a caller to relay back to the officers.
Neagle explained what protocol looks like when a student lockout occurs.
First, she would use the radio to alert an officer and explain what the call was about and where they needed to go. Additionally, Neagle must record all the information from each call that comes through, as well as whatever information is conveyed to her by the officers on the scene.
In cases of emergency, it is her job to contact the Bethlehem Fire Department and EMS. But when Neagle is not on the phone taking calls or communicating with the officers, she handles the distribution of parking passes, filing tickets, and assisting whoever walks into the office.
The most common calls Neagle fields deal with student lockouts and people asking general questions.
“I really hope people aren’t embarrassed to call in a lockout,” she said. “Everyone locks themselves out at some point!”
Neagle has had some wild experiences during her time as a dispatcher, including times when she had to call for an ambulance, which were not fun.
However, she has had some other more light-hearted experiences with the officers. This summer, Neagle worked in the Campo office and one day was asked to assist two officers, along with Lieutenant David Strawn, and Chief V. Harrison Dillard, in testing the campus siren systems. Neagle said she felt powerful being a part of that testing process.
And, yes, she deals with parking tickets. One student continuously parked their vehicle where they were not permitted to, and it was Neagle’s responsibility to call the owner of the car and request they move it. The driver came into the office attempting to pay their tickets off when Neagle had to inform them that they needed to go to another location to pay their tickets. It is safe to say, that student has definitely had better days.
Overall, Neagle’s experience with Campus Police has been incredibly positive. She admits that it is an interesting experience being a part of the Moravian student community, while also being in the know of all the behind-the-scenes work being done by Campus Police.
Neagle feels protected and is happy to have such great rapport with all the officers and her fellow dispatchers. She loves to help other students, as well as faculty and staff. Neagle hopes that students feel less intimidated contacting Campus Police knowing that a fellow Greyhound is behind the desk.
