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UAPD responsible for larger area

By Liz Dailey
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 8, 1998
Send comments to:
city@wildcat.arizona.edu



[Picture]

Wildcat File Photo
Arizona Daily Wildcat


In an effort to reduce emergency call response times, the Tucson and University of Arizona police departments have set up new patrol boundaries for areas just outside the UA campus.

In addition, they have combined forces to come up with new agreements they hope will improve police service for the campus area.

The new boundaries include the area bounded by East Lester Street to the north, East Eighth Street to the south, North Norris Avenue to the east and North Euclid Avenue to the west. Tucson police will patrol the area outside the boundary, while UAPD will keep watch within its limits.

The Tucson Police Department will be responsible for University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., and Southern Arizona Mental Health Corp., 1930 E. Sixth St.

University police Chief Harry Hueston II said that before the agreement, neither police force knew where their jurisdiction began or ended.

"Both departments needed clarification," Hueston said. "This will better serve the community."

Jan Cuthrell, manager of the University Garden Apartments, 1333 N. Tyndall Ave., said she has received good service from the Tucson Police Department.

"I haven't dealt with UAPD," Cuthrell said. "Whenever we've called TPD they've been here within 10 to 15 minutes."

University police officers will respond to simple assaults, criminal damage, driving under the influence, lost and found, accidents and miscellaneous occurrences within the new boundaries, while Tucson Police Department will be responsible for kidnapping, forgery and sexual offenses.

UAPD also will respond to crimes at off-campus Greek houses, which were once under TPD jurisdiction.

"I think the UAPD has done an excellent job. I don't see a problem with them having more jurisdiction," said Troy Googins, president of Delta Chi fraternity, whose house is at 1701 E. First St.

Each department is responsible for murder, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, theft and arson that occur within their new boundaries.

University police officers will investigate auto accidents occurring within the new boundaries unless the accident is fatal or involves life-threatening injuries or extensive property damage. Those accidents will be handled by Tucson police.

"People were waiting two to three hours for a Tucson officer to arrive, but now we can do it," said university police Cmdr. Brian Seastone.

Now that university police have a wider jurisdiction, people involved in minor traffic accidents won't have to wait as long for assistance.

"Now that the (UA) Mall is closed, we're worried about pedestrians. There is an increase in cars on Sixth Street," Hueston said.

Because of the North Cherry Avenue closure, UAPD will enforce traffic laws on North Euclid Avenue, East Speedway Boulevard, North Campbell Avenue and East Sixth Street. University police will conduct radar speed checks on Sixth Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Hueston said.

"These new boundaries make it easier. By making a big rectangle it will be easier for officers," said.

Liz Dailey can be reached via e-mail at Liz.Dailey@wildcat.arizona.edu.










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