Behind the Badge initiative allows UH community to interact with law enforcement

The University of Houston (UH) recently hosted an event called Behind the Badge, which aimed to foster interaction between the UH community and law enforcement agencies. The event took place at the M.D. Anderson Library and allowed students, faculty, and staff to engage with the UH Police Department (UHPD) and other local law enforcement agencies. The initiative aimed to break down barriers and humanize law enforcement officials.

During the three-hour event, attendees had the opportunity to meet representatives from various agencies, including the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office, Houston Metro Police, Sugar Land Police Department (SLPD), and the Rice University Police Department (RUPD). The Division of Administration & Finance was also present.

One attendee, Anthony Oranday, emphasized the importance of understanding that law enforcement officers are people too. He stated, "It breaks down that wall, and you understand that these are also people... They're not robots. They're not autonomous."

The event also introduced the UH community to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and addressed topics such as fire safety, hurricane preparedness, and emergency response. UH Director of Emergency Management Ginger Walker expressed satisfaction with the event's success, stating that people showed interest in taking the CERT training and asked important questions about safety measures.

Overall, Behind the Badge provided an opportunity for the UH community to interact with law enforcement officials, fostering understanding, and breaking down stereotypes. The event also allowed attendees to gain valuable knowledge about emergency preparedness and engage with the Community Emergency Response Team.

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• The three-hour event featured UHPD, as well as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable’s Office, Houston Metro Police, Sugar Land Police Department (SLPD), and the Rice University Police Department (RUPD), the university said.

  According to the release, UH”s Division of Administration & Finance was represented at the event as well.

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• Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Laura Magallanes was among the peace officers in attendance, and per the release, she said that she fielded questions about her agency’s Tow-and-Go program and texting 911 in the event of an emergency.

  read more here

• Behind the Badge also introduced the UH community to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

  “People want to take the Community Emergency Response Team training,” UH Director of Emergency Management Ginger Walker said in the release. “They have also asked a lot of questions about fire safety and making sure that they know what to do as well as hurricane preparedness.

  “So, it’s been very successful,” Walker said.

  read more here

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