By Charis Williams | Talon Staff
Safety is one of the top priorities on the campus of Tallahassee Community College. Chief Wesley Hardin has been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. He became TCC’s Chief of Police in August 2021. Chief Hardin spoke to the Talon about the campus police department and his experiences as a law enforcement officer.
Hardin explains the most important aspect of being a campus police officer.
“Your greatest ability is your availability. You have to be available to the community and to the public that you serve because it’s a team effort.”
Hardin is happy to be TCC’s Chief of Police.
“It’s one of the best professional decisions that I’ve ever made. I am so glad that I took the chance and Tallahassee Community College took the chance on me. … I can see myself being here for a very, very long time. I’m very, very happy here.”
Hardin explains how he plans to build trust among the students and faculty.
“I let them know that I’m genuine and that I care. … Once anybody realizes that you’re genuine, that you really care and you have their best interest at heart, trust will come fairly easily after that.”
Hardin speaks about different training sessions that TCC police participate in.
“We’ve done active shooter trainings. … We’re also teaching a human trafficking class because of the increase in human trafficking in not only the United States but in the state of Florida. Believe it or not, Florida ranks third in the country in human trafficking cases.”
Hardin suggests TCC students use the Eagle Safety app.
“We’re really starting to push and try to advertise our Eagle Safe app. … It’s one touch calling for 911, a mobile blue light that marks your location so that we can find you, a friend walk where we can come get you and walk you from your car to class or from your class to your car, (and) you can report a tip.”
Hardin explains recent campus changes to improve student safety.
“We build a rapport with the community so that they feel comfortable approaching us… We have increased the camera coverage on campus, we’ve increased the lighting around campus and parking lots so that you feel more secure and safe, and we’ve cleaned and painted our garage to make it safer to get in and out of our parking garage.”
Hardin explains the most satisfying part of his job.
“The most part of my job is being able to work with the students and the staff, to help them be successful. To watch the students come in and watch them grow and succeed.”
