As the Rebel 2015 football season comes to an end, not only are the players and coaches tired but law enforcement is also feeling quite fatigued. If you’re out on the square, you’re likely to see Oxford Police Department out and about on foot, mounted patrol and on ATVs.
In the last year, OPD has tripled their force on the square to make sure the community is safe but with so many home games, the stress is beginning to wear on them.
Patrol officer Kandice Beavers says, “I enjoy the work but it’s nice to have a break.” With the many home games, patrol officers like Beavers aren’t getting an off weekend. The busy weekends take time away from the officers to spend quality time with their families. Yet, the attitude of many of the officers remains gracious.
The officers want to achieve the ultimate goal of keeping everyone in the community safe while understanding that everyone wants to have fun on the square. Beavers goes on to say, “We’re not here to ruin anybody’s fun.”
Many college students are out on the square after the bars and restaurants close. One college student says she’s been personally helped by OPD and credits them for getting her home safely.
Leaving the square one night, student Kenzie Newkirk was approached by a man on foot behind her. Feeling uncomfortable, Newkirk walked faster and faster until the man suddenly grabbed her arm. She was able to flag down an officer that then found and paid for a pedal taxi that got her home safely. Newkirk says, “This guy was pretty persistent and obviously he was running after me. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me but it was a very scary situation and I was very glad to know that in those situations they would take care of me.”
Patrol officer Collins Bryant stresses the point that students always need to be alert and cautious of their surroundings. Bryant stated, “You can never be too careful. You always have to be watching over your shoulder.”
Despite their schedules, patrol officers like Bryant and Beavers on the streets help keep Oxford safer on the weekends.
Ashley Page
