Community Oriented Policing is a philosophy of full-service, personalized policing where the same officer is assigned to a specific geographical area on a permanent basis, working in a proactive partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems. Officers work out of satellite offices located within the communities they serve. The focus of community oriented policing is not simply on responding to crime, but on preventing crime and resolving community problems. The philosophy rests on the belief that the police and the community must work together as partners to solve the contemporary challenges faced in today's society. Community oriented police officers are empowered with the autonomy and freedom to act as needed in order to implement and participate in community-based problem solving efforts. Officers work closely with other organizations and community groups to educate community members about potential hazards they may encounter and how to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, to identify the problems, concerns and fears of community members, to identify and eliminate hazards that may promote crime or disorder, and to improve the overall quality of life in the community.


Educational Programming

What types of educational programs are offered by Community Oriented Police officers and how can I arrange to attend?

A variety of educational programs are offered at a community level by the police department. For the 2007-2008 academic school year, COP officers presented or participated in over 200 programs reaching over 7000 people in the University community. Common program topics include the following: 

  • Personal Safety 
  • Operation Identification 
  • Reporting a Crime & The Investigative Process
  • Alcohol Awareness 
  • Drug Awareness 
  • Domestic Violence 

Community Oriented Police officers may also coordinate other programming for their areas. If you would like to schedule a program for your group or residential area or desire more information about a particular topic, contact your area Community Oriented Police Officer. 


Meet Your Area COP

Lieutenant Ben Arnold
Program Coordinator
Office Location: New Hall
Telephone: 348 - COPS(2677)

Lt. Arnold is from a military family. He has lived in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Hawaii and Alaska. Lt. Arnold is a graduate of Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama and is also a Graduate of the University of Alabama. He has been an Officer with the University of Alabama Police Department since 1998. As an Officer, Lt. Arnold served as the Rose Towers/Hackberry Highlands COP for two and a half years and has commanded the Community Oriented Policing Unit since May of 2007.

 

Officer Jesse Moss
Rose Towers Area
Office Location: Rose Towers
Telephone: 348 - COP6 (2676)

Officer Jesse Moss began his career with the University of Alabama Police Department in January, 2004. He grew up in Panola, Alabama. Officer Moss attended the University of Alabama and is continuing his studies at Shelton State Community College. This is his second year in the Community Oriented Police Program. Officer Moss enjoys working with others. His hobbies include playing basketball and repairing automobiles.

 

Officer Matt Wilsie
Paty Hall Area
Office Location: Paty Hall Lobby
Telephone: 348 - COP4 (2674)

Officer Wilsie is from Chattanooga TN. He came to Tuscaloosa in 1997 to attend the University of Alabama where he studied Criminal Justice. Officer Wilsie began his Law Enforcement career with Alabama Department of Corrections in August 2002 and became part of the University Police Department in July 2006. This is Officer Wilsie’s first year in the Community Oriented Police Program. Officer Wilsie enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

 

Officer Josh Kelley
Colonial Area
Office Location: Tutwiler Hall Lobby
Telephone: 348 - COP1 (2671)

Officer Josh Kelley was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL.  He joined the military in 1998 until returning home to attend college at the University of Alabama.  Officer Kelley graduated the University of Alabama in 2004 with a degree in Criminal Justice and was commissioned by the UA ROTC as a 2LT in the Alabama National Guard.  Officer Kelley began his Law Enforcement career with Taylor Hardin Secure Medical facility in 2005 and became part of the University of Alabama Police department in July 2006.  This is Officer Kelley's first year in the Community Oriented Police Program.  Officer Kelley enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

 

Officer John Brown
Burke Hall Area
Office Location: Burke Hall West (Activity Room)
Telephone: 348 - COP2 (2672)

Officer John Brown grew up in Sumter County Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Brown has also served in the military in Iraq. He became a member of the University of Alabama Police Department in June 2005. This is his first year as a member of the Community Oriented Policing Unit. Officer Brown enjoys sports and physical activities.