They are not cops, they are not security guards. However, they do have the goal of assisting the University Police Department (UPD) in times of need at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK).
The Kingsville Crime Stoppers (KCS) Club aims to help the UPD maintain a safe campus environment.
Beginning in 1976, Crime Stoppers has been a nationally run partnership between citizens, police and media outlets to help solve crimes and offer cash rewards and confidentiality to those who come forward with solid information.
At TAMUK the KCS Club was created to help the original Crime Stoppers in Kingsville by keeping their eyes and ears open and reporting any crimes they may come across.
President of the club Poula Villa talked about the group’s mission.
“Our main focus is to help keep the campus safe,” Villa said. “Whether it’s reporting suspicious activity, helping victims of crimes or UPD, especially when there is a big event happening. We are basically an extension of Crime Stoppers in Kingsville, but just here on campus.”
Meeting at 5 p.m. every other Wednesday in the MSUB room 105, KCS and UPD come together to discuss matters on campus and future events coming up.
The club is also looked upon to assist with security during the home football games, as those things can get fairly packed, at least in the beginning.
“We make sure that unauthorized people aren’t on the field or hopping the railing meant to keep them out,” club Parliamentarian Victor Rodriguez explained. “We are basically here to reduce illegal activity around campus.”
This club is a sure way to the best seat at the game for any sports fans out there.
It will also provide a good connection between law enforcement and the students that roam the campus often. The club even works with children from different schools on several occasions.
“We have a Red Ribbon presentation on Monday (Oct.22) at 9 a.m. and need someone to be McGruff. This is why it would be helpful to recruit more members because everybody’s schedule is all over the place,” UPD dispatcher and the club’s Assistant Advisor Sonya Cavazos said.
Every other Wednesday the KCS meets to discuss events around campus.
KCS does not discriminate between majors and would gladly welcome anyone willing to spare some time to lend a helping hand in keeping the campus and community safe for all students.
