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Editor:
I must respond to the letter from Roelant L. Verbeek. Roelant describes UAPD officers as being nothing more than security guards who face very little danger. I would encourage Roelant to talk to the widow of Officer Kevin Barleycorn about how safe it is to be a UAPD officer. I would also encourage him to go undercover with UAPD officers who are assigned to the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking Interdiction Squad (M.A.N.T.I.S.). These officers have the same degree of training that is required of all other peace officers in the state of Arizona. They also must deal with some very unique problems, such as extremist groups of environmentalists and animal rights activists than target the U of A. Although these officers do deal with a great deal of lower risk problems, they must have the skill and training to deal with volatile situations on a moments notice. At any moment, they may be faced with a situation that could result in serious injury of death to themselves or members of the public. They must make life and death decisions that are not only right, but can withstand public and legal scrutiny. That is why they are police officers and why they deserve the respect and compensation that is extended to their fellow officers in surrounding areas.
Thomas Collins
employee, Parking & Transportation Services
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