New police chief ready for a new start
Change is a top priority for the new head of the CSU Police
Department, Police Chief Dexter Yarbrough.
“The only time you call the police is when something bad
happens, that leaves only room for that negative interaction —
we’ve got to change that,” Yarbrough said.
Yarbrough, who has wanted to be a cop since boyhood, worked at
two universities prior to CSU and spent 13 years working for
Chicago Police Department.
“I wanted to be a police officer since I was 5 years old.”
Yarbrough said. “So I am actually living my childhood dream.”
Yarbrough majored in law enforcement administration at Western
Illinois University. There he decided that if he ever could make a
difference, he would like to work with students. Through his own
involvement in student activities, Yarbrough noticed the distance
between students and the police.
“I always wondered why the police weren’t more involved with the
students,” Yarbrough said. “Back then I said, ‘Once I get to the
police force and if I ever get to the point where I’ll be able to
have an influence that I would work in conjunction with
students.'”
Yarbrough is planning not only to increase positive interaction
between students and police, but also to tackle tough problems –
student drinking is at the top of the list.
“I think one of the things that needs to be recognized is that
there is a problem with students and alcohol. It’s immediately
apparent to me.” Yarbrough said. “A number of people have to sit
down and attack.”
Sophomore Llydsey Reese agreed that some changes need to be made
between students and CSUPD.
Reese, who is the head of Program Activities Counsel, attempts
to promote alcohol-free environments in which student can
participate.
“Most students think the cops’ only goal is to bust them for
drinking,” Reese said. “I think it would help if police didn’t only
interact with students in alcohol situations, if students could
have more positive interactions with police.”
Everyone seems in the mood for change with Yarbrough’s new
beginnings, from students to his staff.
“Folks are expecting an awful lot of Chief Yarbrough, I hope
they can be patient,” said Capt. Bob Chaffee of CSUPD. “I hope we
can focus on the fundamentals of good lawmaking.”
Yarbrough, who has been on the job a little over a month, is
surprised that he ended up here at all.
“Never did I ever imagine that I would ever end up in Colorado,”
Yarbrough said. “At first I was hesitant, but then I decided that
it was a good opportunity and low and behold here I am — still
amazed.”
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