Chief Maris Herold of the University of Cincinnati’s police department recently spoke to staff and faculty in Clermont’s Krueger auditorium.
After serving with the Cincinnati Police Department for twenty-five years, Herold was initially hired by UC as the university’s assistant police chief. She was promoted to the position of chief last January, taking over after the resignation of the former chief Anthony Carter. According to the university’s website, Herold is the first woman to hold this position.
Herold came to Clermont to speak about UCPD improvements and student safety, as well as job opportunities for those interested in joining the police force. “I’m looking for dedication,” said Herold, commenting on the desired qualities of potential UC police officers.
Among some of the improvements discussed by Chief Herold were recommendations made by EXIGER, an independent risk assessment firm, which came after the death of Sam Dubose in 2015. “These officers have been in a constant training mode,” Herold said of the progress her officers have been making in complying with EXIGER’s recommendations. Of those specific recommendations, she says 70% have been completed. Additionally, she commented on the importance of proper training and crime prevention, as well as ensuring that higher-ranking officers receive senior management training. “I’m really proud of the work that these guys are doing,” she said.
Chief Herold promotes training for her officers that calls for situational assessment rather than reactionary responses. She believes that utilizing data about the community can lead to a more strategic approach to law enforcement.
After citing the recent tragic shooting in Parkland Florida, Chief Herold discussed preventative measures that UCPD has in place for active shooter situations. According to Herold, university police officers are training with the FBI to become better prepared for a potential active shooter situation. While Herold mentioned conducting security assessments for Clermont’s campus, she also encourages students to maintain a sense of situational awareness and pay attention to where all the entrances and exits are in any situation.
“I think we have a really good team and I’ll do anything I possibly can,” said Herold, on a more optimistic note.
For anyone interested in learning more about the resources UC offers in terms of safety, please visit http://www.uc.edu/publicsafety.html.
