Public Safety hosted “Coffee with a Cop,” an event where the Capital Police Department debuted their new vehicle.
The vehicle was revealed to be a gasoline-powered golf cart. In contrast to the cruisers Capital PD typically uses, the golf cart gives the opportunity for officers to be more available and seen by students and staff.
Interim Chief of Police Scott Kunkle explains that the new vehicle is convenient for multiple reasons.
“We can get anywhere on campus [fast]. Any medical emergencies, fire alarms, or any situation where you guys are in trouble because we can use these golf carts to cut through the foot pass,” Kunkle said.
According to Kunkle, the purchase was funded by the University.
On top of being able to pass through the footpaths on campus, the golf cart is street-legal, equipped with turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, LED lights, and sirens. The golf cart even has a heater for the colder seasons.
“We also got it with the backseat so we can give student escorts if they want. That’s one of our services, so if you guys want to ride you just jump on the back of our car, we’ll take you somewhere,” Kunkle said. “I just thought it’d be a good tool for the University, whereas if we’re driving [in] the cars all the time, you guys don’t really get to see us or communicate with us. Now, we can start talking to you.”
Public Safety can be contacted at (614) 236-6011 and is located at 661 College Ave.
