Dealing with Campus Security

Captains log, stardate 2009.239.

As I mentioned in my last post, I received a parking ticket on Monday. I filed a dispute form with campus security, as I was unaware that parking on the grass wasn't allowed. In hindsight it should have been obvious, but about 30 other students also parked there, so the example seemed to be otherwise. Nonetheless, Sergeant Friendly didn't appreciate it.

Back to the dispute.. I received an email Tuesday afternoon stating that my request for dismissal was declined. I didn't have a problem with this -- I violated the parking regulations. Even though I did so unknowingly, ignorantia juris non excusat. What bothered me is that the email header showed "undisclosed recipients". I had received a personally signed mass email. Thanks.

Anyhow, that wasn't my issue. The issue at hand was that I had gone through the system and received a parking permit on time, and showed up to the parking lot on Monday morning with it attached to my vehicle. I was of the 10th percentile, possibly higher. As I walked from my illegal parking spot in the back of the lot, I passed a good 20-30 cars without permits.

After respectfully replying to my email disputing the citation, I received the contact information for the Chief Security Officer (he's actually the "Security Chief", but I'm using Star Trek terminology just because I can). I emailed him about the situation and he asked me to stop in and talk with him. As a result, we came to an understanding of the event and he has dismissed my citation on the premise that I was a freshman, didn't know better, and won't do it again. Now I can tell my mom about it and not get yelled at. :)

On the way out I asked if the security department employs students or only professionals. He not only told me that students are employed, but he handed me a job application to become an officer, even though they were currently full. Now, I'm not a professional in non-verbal communication, but it seemed like he almost enjoyed it. I guess being being respectful goes a long way.

LaFrance out.