USI Public Safety makes "subtle" but "significant" changes to uniform

Students, employees and visitors may not notice anything different when they spot USI Public Safety officers around campus this fall. They'll be in blue shirts, as usual, with radios at their chests and key rings at their hips. But a closer look at the new emblems and badges emblazoned on their uniforms reveals a collaborative effort to express their ideals and duties as members of the University's safety team.

"The changes in the uniforms are a reflection of the pride our men and women have for their profession," says Sam Preston, assistant director of Public Safety. "While these changes may be subtle to some, they are significant to our officers, as they tell a story of their mission, values and the community they represent."

Each of the University's 15 Public Safety officers was given the opportunity to provide input on the revamped uniform, which includes a new, metal badge presented to officers by President Rochon on Wednesday, September 4. "They were able to create something that is unique to USI," says Preston. Their suggestions led to these changes:

• The American flag on the right shoulder of the uniform now flows toward the front, instead of the back. This symbolizes first responders' willingness to move toward emergencies, not away from them.
  
  
• A metal badge and personalized name plate replace an embroidered badge. The new badge identifies the University, the officer's rank, Public Safety and the State of Indiana. The top of the badge is adorned with an eagle, which represents both the national emblem and the University mascot.
  
  
• Supervisor badges are now two-toned silver and gold, instead of all gold, to represent a shared dedication to campus safety among all members of Public Safety and to remind supervisors of their roots.
  
  
• A patch featuring the presidential scroll has been replaced with a new design created by Public Safety officers. It features the words "Public Safety," the USI logo, the USI landscape and an overlapping fire crest, law enforcement shield and Star of Life. "Public Safety responds to all of these types of events," says Preston. "We decided to put the Star of Life up front and highlight it with color as it is the function that we put the most time and training into. The fact that most Public Safety officers are EMTs and are medically trained is a luxury for our campus."
  
  
• The Star of Life has also been added to Public Safety patrol vehicles.
  
  
• The newly designed Public Safety patch and American flag will be added to officers' summer polos.