51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has received a report by the Nevada Division of Investigation which reviews a Department of Public Safety enforcement action in a campus residence hall last March, according to Dr. Rebecca Mills, vice president for student life.
The university had requested that NDI investigate whether there was any misconduct on the part of campus police officers during the service of a search warrant in a campus dorm on March 9.
The report, which is extensive, reveals the following:
-- Some policy violations did occur; however, many policies in the Department of Public Safety policy manual were found to be vague and unclear.
-- The policy violations do not warrant termination of any officer.
-- Discipline of some officers is warranted; however, the severity of the discipline should be mitigated by the concerns about the clarity of policy statements.
-- Failed communication contributed to the chain of events that led to the investigation.
-- Circumstances were exacerbated by the department's lack of strong leadership, close supervision, and experience in executing search warrants.
-- Review and revision of the department's policies is warranted.
"Many of the concerns outlined in the report already have been addressed by the new director of public safety, Jose Elique," Mills said. "He has revised the procedure by which the department receives, investigates, and responds to complaints. Overall, I am pleased with the direction the department is going and with its renewed focus on community service."
