LTE

I understand that the editorial section of a newspaper is designed to provide a platform for people to express their opinions, and those opinions don’t necessarily have to be objective. However, when those opinions are based on conjecture and are allowed to stand alone without some scrutiny, that platform can be a very dangerous thing. Case in point, the article appearing in the October 8, 2009 perspective section of the Northern Star entitled “Bad Diplomacy.”

As I read the article, one thing was absolutely clear: the authors do not like NIU Police Chief Donald Grady. Now there is nothing wrong with writing an article stating how hard it is to get along with the chief or even one that points out that he is a polarizing figure, because he is, but when you take it a step further and make the claim that this campus is less safe because he remains employed you should have valid examples to back your claim, not just fluff and paper filler.

In your article you allege that because of Chief Grady, the NIU Department of Public Safety won’t cooperate with the Northern Star and other local media outlets. You write that he yells at other administrators and has the audacity not to work with other law enforcement agencies, and you complain that the man is an egomaniac. These are the flaws that you tout in a feeble attempt to somehow show that he is unworthy of his position. Well allow me to show the masses the other side of the coin.

In 2001 Chief Grady came to a homogenized department. Through his vision, that department was infused with diversity. Now as you look at this department you see across the spectrum officers, who were the most qualified during their respective hiring processes, interact with the NIU community in a way that is only possible because they are a reflection of the community.
He pushed for all of his officers to become EMT certified, because he understood that although DeKalb fire does a tremendous job responding to medical emergencies on campus, the precious moments spent waiting without medical treatment could be the difference between life and death. In addition, officers who have gone on to achieve the status of paramedic routinely certify campus groups in CPR, so the faculty, staff and students of this community are prepared to act in times of medical need.

He has eagerly worked with NIU Housing in an effort to insure that the quality of life for the students and staff residing on campus is as safe and enjoyable as possible. This has resulted in officers being placed in the residence halls, where they assist in educational programs and meet with hall staff regularly to share ideas and formulate plans to ensure that the students continue to have a tremendous educational experience.

He started the Late Night Ride Service, which despite the ridicule the program has received, has given students as well as non-NIU affiliated members of the DeKalb community the ability to get around the city safely.

He has demanded that his officers conduct themselves in a manner that is above board and beyond reproach at all times. We have all but eliminated instances of excessive force during our interactions with the community, and individual complaints about officers’ conduct while on or off duty are relatively non-existent. He has created a police culture where the expectation is to treat the community as if all of them are our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters or parents; because they are important and deserve to be treated with civility no matter the circumstance.

Yes, he encourages the use of the NIU Judicial system, because it works. The idea is to gain compliance using the least restrictive means available. Judicial referrals, which are our equivalent to the ordinance codes used by municipalities all over the country, allow the university to hold students accountable for their actions without depriving them of the future they came to school to advance in the first place. If we report referrals in the crime blotter for the world to see, then how can it be an attempt to hide crime or skew statistics?

And no, he does not have a close working relationship with some of the other local law enforcement heads, but when has that ever effected his departments ability to provide exemplary service to the jurisdiction that he is in charge of.

I cannot speak intelligently on the accusation of bribery leveled in your article. The jury is out and the facts will be uncovered, but I can say that committing such an act would be totally antithetical to what he has shown himself to be.

As I read that article I was reminded of a child that lashes out because they are not receiving the attention they believe they deserve, and when given the opportunity to express themselves all they can muster is a pouty “I Hate You!” Northern Star Editorial Board, please take my advice. Next time you decide to climb onto that platform and trumpet for the world to see, make sure you are wearing clothes.

Sgt. Ramon Holland
NIU Department of Public Safety

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.

• Your name:
• Enter text from image:
  

• Your comment:

* 300-character count. HTML formatting will not display.