MSU Police and Public Safety

Books and Badges at the MSU Library. 📚🐾💚

During the month of July we have welcomed local preschool, elementary, and middle school aged children to spend time with Comfort Canine River, MSU Police Officers, our Community Liaison Team, and other local therapy dogs in an effort to promote literacy and foster relationships between youth and the police.

We have loved reading, listening to stories, meeting new friends and handing out custom bookmarks!

Our thoughts are with the Melvindale Police Department as we learned this afternoon that one of their officers was killed in the line of duty.

Our hearts are heavy as we keep Officer Mohamed Said, his family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts. Officer Said is the third officer from Michigan to be killed in less than a month.

It is with immense respect that our MSU Police Officers will wear mourning bands on our badges to honor and mourn Officer Said.

"𝘐𝘯 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦." – 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘴

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Today we introduce Detective Martha Brushaber! Detective Brushaber has worked at MSU DPPS for 8 years, including detective assignments within our Special Victims Unit and Digital Forensic and Cyber Crime Unit. Detective Brushaber is an MSU alumni with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. GO GREEN!

As an MSU student, Detective Brushaber worked at DPPS as a student employee as a Police Cadet. Detective Brushaber has also been a member of our Child Passenger Safety Team, offering one-on-one education to parents about transporting children safely, in addition to our Crime Scene Investigation Team that assists with cases across campus.

If you would like to explore job opportunities within our department, click here: https://dpps.msu.edu/about/job-opportunities

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Today we introduce Officer Falysha Edmondson! Officer Edmondson has worked at MSU DPPS for 7.5 years. Officer Edmondson chose a career in law enforcement to follow in her Dad's footsteps. She grew up seeing her Dad's love for serving the community and it inspired her to do the same.

Officer Edmondson has served the East Lansing community in many ways, including most recently as a member of the PEACE (Proactive Engagement and Community Enhancement) Team. While on the PEACE Team, Officer Edmondson has worked toward reducing gun violence and enhancing community engagement.

If you are interested in a career like Officer Edmondson, learn more here: https://dpps.msu.edu/about/job-opportunities

Happy Independence Day, Spartans! 🇺🇸

Our department is constantly evaluating best practices in the law enforcement profession to best serve our Spartan community. All of our officers regularly go through countless hours of specialized training to strengthen their skill sets. Here are a few photos from one of our in-service training sessions this week. 📸

Shoutout to Detective Sergeant Aaron Schroeder for being a highlighted speaker at the 2024 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Summit this week! He presented on LGBTQ+ topics, trauma, and law enforcement to an audience that included police, prosecutors, advocates, and medical staff from across the state. 👏🏼

We are sad to learn of the on-duty death of a deputy from the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office this afternoon, the second police officer to be killed this week in Michigan.

Our hearts are heavy as we keep Deputy William Butler, his family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts.

It is with immense respect that our MSU Police Officers will wear mourning bands on our badges to honor and mourn Deputy Butler

"𝘐𝘯 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦." – 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘴

Excellence is one of our department’s core values. We strive toward that value every day for our Spartan community.

Our Sergeants and Lieutenants have all worked to complete Leadership Training with the Shield Institute, and the second group graduated this week!

Congratulations to Sergeant Patchett, Lieutenant Martin, Lieutenant Parviainen, Sergeant Davis, Sergeant Thorne, Sergeant Cantrell, Sergeant Dropping, Sergeant Merony, Detective Sergeant Mitchell, Sergeant Ray, and Detective Sergeant Schroeder on this accomplishment. We’re so proud of you!

Our thoughts are with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office as we learned this morning that one of their deputies was killed in the line of duty.

Our hearts are heavy as we keep Deputy Bradley Reckling, his family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts.

It is with immense respect that our MSU Police Officers will wear mourning bands on our badges to honor and mourn Deputy Reckling.

"𝘐𝘯 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦." – 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘴

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Today we introduce Officer Nick Spyke! Officer Spyke has worked for the Leslie Police Department, Howell Police Department, and MSU Police and Public Safety during his more than 19 year career in law enforcement. He is currently assigned to the Field Services Division/Patrol where he has served on our Child Passenger Safety Team, Field Training Officer Unit, and Bicycle Unit.

Officer Spyke is a second generation police officer who grew up excited to join the force. He is driven to serve and truly enjoys building relationships with community members to foster positive interactions with the police department.

If you are interested in a career like Officer Spyke, learn more here: https://dpps.msu.edu/about/job-opportunities

Congratulations to Captain Dan Munford for graduating from the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command on Friday!

Since January, Captain Munford has been working hard to complete this 400-hour course while juggling work and home full-time. Another bonus — he was this year’s Class President!

Great work, Captain Munford. 🎓



Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice

It's going to be VERY hot and VERY humid this week... We will be near or above 90 right through Friday, and when you factor in the humidity it could feel like 100 degrees!

To start off the season with this long of a stretch (and mugginess) is rare. PLEASE check in on your neighbors that might be a little more vulnerable to these hot conditions.

Anyone needing assistance can call 211 or go to https://mi211.org/ to find and/or get transportation to a cooling center.

STAY SAFE!

We are proud to recognize our Support Staff Employee of the Year, Brittney Compton! 🏅

Brittney has worked at MSU Police and Public Safety for 2 years serving as the clerk receptionist, as known as the friendly face you see at the front desk of our department. She assists with training our Desk Cadets, in addition to helping with anything else that may arise.

"This recognition means a lot to me because I am proud to be a part of this team," Compton said. "Being part of such an important institution dedicated to serving and protecting the community has been immensely rewarding. I will continue to strive every day to contribute positively to this team’s efforts. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate individuals and to play a role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Spartan community!"

Congratulations, Brittney! 👏🏽

We are proud to recognize our Student of the Year, Mary Cate Heberlein! 🏅

Mary Cate worked at MSU Police and Public Safety during all four years of her college career. She started as a Desk Cadet in 2020, was promoted to Lead Cadet in 2023, and became an intern with the Special Victims Unit in the summer of 2023. This spring, she graduated with her B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. from Michigan State University.

Mary Cate was nominated for this award by her peers for always having a strong commitment to anything she applies herself to. Her coworkers say that she goes above and beyond contributing to our department in ways that are well beyond her assigned position, being the first to step up and volunteer when needed.

"I am extremely honored to receive the Student of the Year award because MSU Police and Public Safety has become a home for me, and being recognized means so much," Heberlein said. "I look forward to bringing the skills MSU Police and Public Safety have taught me into my future career!"

Congratulations, Mary Cate! 👏🏼

Stay tuned for our department's next post introducing our Support Staff Employee of the Year.

We are proud to recognize our Civilian of the Year, Dawn Mazur! 🏅

Dawn has worked for MSU Police and Public Safety since 1990. She started in the Parking Office as a Service Assistant, then transitioning to a Parking Coordinator to supervise the Parking Enforcers, Abandoned Car and Bike Impoundment Unit, leased parking, and violation appeals. She now serves as a Case Administrator in our Investigations Unit, where she has been since 2018.

Dawn was nominated for this award for being a vital asset to the overall functions of our department. Whether triaging cases and deconflicting hundreds of notifications that come through the department, her peers say that she puts her heart and soul into ensuring we are always doing the right thing.

"I am proud to have been chosen as Civilian of the Year because I feel fortunate to serve the Spartan community in this role," Mazur said. "My role through an administrative service allows me to help, connect, and serve the Spartan community that I grew up in. My family has a long history of being proud Spartans."

Congratulations, Dawn! 👏🏼

Stay tuned for our department's next post introducing our Student of the Year.

We are proud to recognize our Officer of the Year, Ofc. Aaron White! 🏅

Ofc. White has worked for MSU Police and Public Safety for 19 years, beginning in 2005. During his time with the department, he has been a part of the Bicycle Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Team, and as the department's Fire Inspector.

Ofc. White was nominated for this award by multiple peers who acknowledged not only his hard work, but his positive attitude. Each person who nominated him noted that he can always be counted on to lift spirits and morale on shift through jokes and a genuine interest in his fellow officers.

"I am proud of being recognized as Officer of the Year because of the fact that you have to be nominated by your coworkers to be considered for the award," Ofc. White said. "I strive to be a good teammate and I truly appreciate that others see that. We have a lot of great officers within the department and the award could have gone to any of them and I am honored to have received it."

Congratulations, Ofc. White! 👏🏽

Stay tuned for our department's next post introducing our Civilian of the Year.

Is your organization looking to earn some extra money? Do you love Michigan State Football? We have the perfect opportunity for you! 🏈

We are hiring nonprofit organizations to assist with parking at home football games this fall. Read more below ⬇️

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Today we introduce Detective Sydnee Zienta! Detective Zienta has been an officer for 7 years with MSU DPPS. She graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and became MCOLES certified after completing the police academy.

Detective Zienta says she was thrilled to return to East Lansing and enjoys serving and protecting the community where she grew up as a graduate of East Lansing High School. She currently serves on the MSU Care and Invention Team as a case manager and liaison working to identify, prevent, assess, intervene and reduce threats to campus. She says the best part about this position is getting to work collaboratively to not only keep campus safe, but also support the Spartan community’s mental health. She also holds numerous other specialty assignments including car seat technician, hostage negotiator, and Crisis Intervention Team member.

Interested in a career like Detective Zienta? You can learn more about job opportunities at our department here: https://dpps.msu.edu/about/job-opportunities

NEWS RELEASE: Early this morning around 12:15 a.m., Michigan State University Police and Public Safety responded to the area outside of Snyder Hall for a report of an armed robbery. Two suspects were located and arrested.

The quick response and investigation by our officers, security personnel, and law enforcement partners was crucial to quickly resolve this case.

MORE: https://dpps.msu.edu/news-and-alerts/news/msu-police-officers-arrest-two-people-for-armed-robbery

UPDATE TO MSU ALERT ON 05/30/2024.

*BOTH SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED.*

MSU Police officers responded to the area outside of Snyder Hall on the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred around 12:15 a.m. Officers quickly arrived and learned the victim, a pizza delivery driver, was approached by two males outside the building. One of the males displayed a handgun and demanded his wallet and the pizza. The victim was physically assaulted by one of the suspects and sustained minor injuries.

Both suspects were last seen running southbound on Bogue St from the area of Snyder Hall. Officers quickly established a perimeter and attempted to track the suspects with a K9. One suspect was quickly located and arrested and is in custody.

Due to a quick investigation by responding officers and the MSU Security Operations Center (SOC), the second suspect was also located and arrested by MSU Police officers around 2:00 a.m. and is in custody.

We appreciate the assistance of the East Lansing Police Department, the Meridian Township Police Department, and Ingham County 911 during this incident.

If you have information please contact MSU Police and Public Safety at 517-355-2221, or 911 for emergencies/crimes in progress. If you would like to relay a non-emergency crime tip, you may do so by texting the word MSUPD, along with your message, to 274637.

https://alert.msu.edu/2024/05/30/alert-issued-at-05-30-2024-010725-am-edt/

Today and every day, we remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country 🇺🇸

Whether it's academic struggles, personal challenges, or concerns about a peer, the Care and Intervention Team case managers are here to help! 💚 An introduction to our CAIT case managers can be found here: https://sle.msu.edu/news/cait-case-managers.

Applications for our Citizen's Police Academy are now open! The CPA gives members of the community the opportunity to gain insight about how a police department operates. Here's what Lucas, a graduate of the CPA, said about his experience ⤵

"My time spent at the MSU DPPS Citizen's Police Academy was some of the most enjoyable and influential time of my life. If you have ever wanted to learn more about what police officers and their departments do on a day-to-day basis, I highly recommend this program. Despite being a Criminal Justice student, I learned many new things that were completely new to me. I can almost guarantee that anyone who attends the Citizen's Police Academy will come out of it with a completely different outlook on policing and the vital role it plays in protecting and serving our community."

APPLY NOW: https://dpps.msu.edu/services/citizens-police-academy

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Today we introduce Lieutenant Brandon Murphy! Lt. Murphy has been a police officer for 17 years. He graduated from Michigan State University with his bachelor's degree in accounting and Central Michigan University with his master's degree in human resources. He currently works in Special Events for our department, coordinating all law enforcement and safety efforts for events taking place on campus.

Lt. Murphy began with the department as a student employee, taking on various roles. He has extensive experience in police training, field training processes, and academy training for new officers. He also has experience conducting background investigations as part of hiring new employees.

If you are interested in a career like Lt. Murphy, apply at the links below!

Student Employment: https://dpps.msu.edu/about/job-opportunities

Police Officer: https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/515106/police-officer

In partnership with the , today we worked with our community to fill local little libraries with children’s books just in time for summer! ☀️

You can find these libraries and more at littlefreelibrary.org 📚

Happening tomorrow ⤵️

As part of our commitment to enhance our capabilities within our mass notification system, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will conduct a full system test of our campus alert notification system on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. This routine test occurs at the beginning of every semester.

Learn more here: https://dpps.msu.edu/news-and-alerts/news/msu-dpps-announces-alert-upgrades-semesterly-test-to-take-place-521-at-10am

Earlier this week, our department had the opportunity to recognize the hard work of our employees and community partners at our annual Awards Ceremony at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center.

We are so proud of the work our officers, civilian and student employees do every day to advance the goals of our department. Amazing things are done both in front of and behind the scenes and we are grateful for the chance to take some time to appreciate one another.

Congratulations to all of the recipients! 💚🤍

Read the full list here: https://dpps.msu.edu/news-and-alerts/news/msu-dpps-announces-2023-award-recipients-including-officer-and-civilian-of-the-year

This week is National Police Week. This recognition of service and sacrifice of law enforcement began in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officer's Memorial Day and National Police Week.

National Police Week honors the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to communities across the country. Additionally, it gives us a chance to recognize the work of our own officers who proudly serve our community every day with honor and compassion.

To learn more about National Police Week, visit www.nleomf.org.

Indeed it was a beautiful day to spend with Special Olympics Michigan Eaton and Ingham County Area 8 athletes for their annual bocce ball and track and field events.

We are so glad that we could be just a small part of this amazing event today on our campus!