Jobs@UIOWA - Human Resources
Beau Hartsock
security guard for the UI Department of Public Safety
Photo by Tom Jorgensen.
Whether they're studying late on a weeknight or letting off some steam on the weekends, University of Iowa female students can count on people like Beau Hartsock to get them home safely.
Hartsock is one of several Department of Public Safety (DPS) security guards who pilot the Nite Ride vehicle. This DPS service, introduced last fall, allows women to request a free, safe ride home to their residence halls or apartments within certain geographic boundaries. The academic route runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, while the weekend route runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The academic route is cell-phone dispatched (319-384-1111), while the weekend route picks up at the intersection of Clinton and Washington.
A decision earlier this month will keep the program's odometer rolling this summer. If Hartsock had his way, the program would continue for many semesters to come. The program has helped dampen the stereotypical viewpoint that all law enforcement professionals are "out to get you."
How did you land one of the Nite Ride driver jobs?
All the guards rotate through. We take a driving test and a written test. Now that we're doing the academic route on weekdays, I average one Nite Ride shift a week. It's a change of pace from patrolling, and I get a great deal of satisfaction from it.
We've been doing the academic route for a few weeks now--we continue to field more calls for that route as word spreads across campus. On the weekends, when we stage at Clinton and Washington, we're taking home anywhere from 60 to 100 riders a night.
This isn't a "drunk bus"--there are guidelines for riding the service, correct?
Absolutely. We're trying to stay away from that "drunk bus" impression. Weekend drivers can refuse students who are too intoxicated, and drivers on the academic route won't take anyone who has been drinking any amount of alcohol.
Can you describe the feeling you get from performing this job?
I enjoy it because it reiterates that we're really worried about safety, that that's our top priority. The stereotype that is attached to law enforcement jobs is that we're "out to get you." But with Nite Ride, female students are able to feel comfortable with us--they don't feel threatened by a person in uniform. That comfort level, that level of understanding, it carries over to our patrols. People look at us with trust and comfort. It's good for our department.
What sort of advice do you have for students regarding safety measures?
Walking in groups is always the best thing. Young women should have a friendly male presence with them if possible. Staying in well-lit areas and being aware of one's surroundings is important. People aren't always paying attention when they're talking on the cell phone or listening to music.
It's helpful to carry certain items. Nite Ride is giving out keychain flashlights, and another organization recently gave away whistles to women in the residence halls. Carrying small cans of pepper spray is another measure that can be taken.
Parents should tell their students that approaching Public Safety officers is a good idea. If they have questions, they should not hesitate to ask us.
What are other aspects of your job?
On average, I work a four-day workweek. Three of those nights, I'm on residence hall patrol. A fourth night involves a walking route. The University is split up into certain areas; we patrol the exterior of our assigned area, and the interior of some buildings.
How long have you been with the University?
I've been here six years, all with DPS. I received my degree in criminal justice from Kirkwood Community College. Eventually I'd like to get into an officer position.
Is this the kind of work you've always wanted to do?
I wasn't sure I wanted to go into law enforcement until I got out of high school, but when I was younger, I was definitely fascinated with the profession. I'm from Grandview, near Muscatine, and my dad was a good friend of the Louisa County sheriff--I always looked up to him. That certainly had a role in my decision to pursue my degree.
This article was adapted from fyi, The University of Iowa's Faculty and Staff Newsletter. fyi is published by the Office of University of Relations-Publications. To read more about The University of Iowa and the many remarkable employees, please visit their website.