Despite recent allegations of Safety and Security misconduct, the organization is more concerned with assisting students than judging them, said Safety Security's Public Relations Director Lauren Cummings '72.
"Students probably don't realize that 95 percent of [Safety and Security's] work is service," he said.
Cummings stressed that Safety and Security has much more one-on-one contact with students and community members than the Hanover Police, although the police are also active in the community.
Rides to Dick's House are examples of Safety and Security's student services, Cummings said.
In addition, Safety and Security is more responsive to non-legal issues than the Hanover Police, he said.
"Safety and Security only collects factual data [involving investigations]," Cummings said. "We don't judge anyone."
Cummings said calling the Hanover Police is usually a last resort, but circumstances that would necessitate police participation include those where "the safety of a person is in jeopardy."
Chief of Police Nick Giaccone said, "The police are called as soon as the situation is out of control, or an individual is being uncooperative."
This relationship between Safety and Security and the Hanover Police has always been "very good," Giaccone said.
When the Hanover Police need to collaborate with Safety and Security, they often share the College's resources, including computer and photo equipment, he said.
Although some of their duties may overlap, the powers of each organization are very different.
The Hanover Police have the power to arrest and prosecute students, but are limited by Constitutional rights which do not apply to Safety and Security, Giaccone said.
Safety and Security is under no obligation to read Miranda Rights and does not have to obtain a warrant for search and seizure, he said.
But Cummings said Safety and Security is still bound by some College restrictions.
The different roles Safety and Security and the Hanover Police play has come to light recently because of allegations Brian de Moya '00 made last month that he was mistreated by Safety and Security officers and later assaulted by a Hanover police officer.
Dean of the College Lee Pelton formed a panel headed by Associate Director of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Ozzie Harris to investigate the allegations.
