By: Anna Aguillard, Senior Writer

After serving our Campus for 7.5 years, Officer Gibson candidly answered our questions about his experience serving as a Campus Sergeant at Wofford: what brought him here, what difficulties he faced, which areas the college can improve and what went into his decision to leave.

What led you to Wofford?

“I came to the Wofford community after retiring from the Coral Springs Police Department and touring the campus. I liked the overall look of the campus and the opportunities that Wofford College Campus Safety had to offer.”

What were some of the difficulties you faced as a Campus Sergeant?

“Communication within the department was not good, and can be improved. This would lead to better morale and improved teamwork. Additionally, getting the officers to buy into the ‘Community Policing philosophy’ for the campus, which means getting the officers out of the office and a constant presence around campus by stopping and talking with students, would lead to definite improvements. Having this positive interaction with students would show them that we are approachable, and not their enemy. By doing this during my shifts, I believed we could alleviate the impression some students developed that it was ‘us-against-them,’ and that we were only there to catch them with alcohol, drugs, or when they were doing something wrong. During my time at Wofford, I was able to build positive relationships with the most students, faculty and staff. I wanted them to know they could come to me, or anyone in Campus Safety, with any of their concerns or problems during their time at Wofford College.”

How do these difficulties compare to those that you faced as a city police officer?

“While working as a police officer, I was empowered by the department to be responsible for the zone I was assigned to during my shift. This included coming up with innovative ideas and ways to involve the residents who lived in the area to work with me as I handled any calls for service. This philosophy is called ‘Community Oriented Policing,’ and it is exactly what Dean Bigger has asked the officers from Campus Safety to do.”

What were your favorite parts about serving the Wofford community?

“My favorite part of my job was interaction with students, staff and faculty. I have made many friendships during my years at Wofford that I still have today. I looked at my job as wearing many hats while working: police officer, counselor, friend.”

What does the Campus Police force do well already, and where does it have room for improvement?

“The Campus Police Force provides excellent service to the Wofford Community in the areas of securing buildings and parking lots. They provide excellent first responder coverage… and take the necessary action needed to ensure that everyone who is working, living on or visiting campus enjoys the college experience or college visit. However, Wofford Campus Police need to improve on their staffing. They need to open up lines of communication between police administrators and the officers, and they need to put a schedule in place that allows officers to have work-life balance.”

What went into making the decision to leave Wofford this year, and how long did you consider this prior to deciding?

“This decision was not made in haste… I spent time talking with my family and friends over the past year. I even spent time speaking with Reverend Ron Robinson regarding this opportunity. As a result of these conversations, I decided it was time for me to make a move.”

What do you look forward to most now?

“I look forward to completing my current Police Department training in the next two weeks, and getting back into the schools I will be assigned to. This will allow me to build new friendships with students and staff. I am also looking forward to my daughter Kaitlyn graduating from Wofford College in 2017.”

Any farewell words to Wofford?

“Wofford College has an awesome campus environment. There are so many opportunities that Wofford affords the student body, and each student has the ability to graduate from Wofford College and be successful in life. I encourage each and every one of you to embrace these years and make the most of your college experience. I am glad I had the opportunity to serve the Wofford College community these past 7.5 years.”

And the final words from Officer Gibson?

“GO TERRIERS.”