The Dining with Cops program, which brings police officers into Ohio University dining halls to interact with students, got off to a slow start yesterday at lunch in Jefferson Dining Hall.
Athens Police Capt. Tom Pyle, who cleaned his plate, said that despite the lukewarm reception, he wanted to be available to answer questions from students about concerns such as trouble with neighbors or landlord problems.
Just us being here and sharing the same space in a non-confrontational way accomplishes something
Pyle said.
Not many students approached Pyle, the only officer on hand yesterday, but OU junior Kevin Yurasek, who spearheaded the program and accompanied him to the dining hall, said he had expected a slow start.
Overall, students didn't seem to be affected by Pyle's presence. I tend not to commit many crimes when eating said OU freshman David Massimini.Others, like OU junior Curt Nash welcomed the program, which he said would reduce animosity between officers and students.
I think it's a great idea because it makes their faces more familiar to students Nash said.
However, OU freshman Lisa Gumerman said she thought the program was a waste of money and she didn't think students were likely to approach police officers with their questions.
I mean
is anybody really going to ask 'What happens if you find a bong in my room?' she said.
Residence Life has paid for the officers' meals, which have been discounted from the regular price of $7.85 to $6. Dining with Cops will return to Jefferson next Tuesday for lunch with new OU Police Chief Michael Martinsen.
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OU freshman Theodore Hollingsworth (right) sits down for lunch with Athens Police Capt. Tom Pyle and Dining with Cops program coordinator Kevin Yurasek in Jefferson Dining Hall yesterday. The program brings local officers into the dining halls with the g
