Chief Ronnell Higgins invites Officer Seth Hershamn and Officer Ancil Farrier to discuss their experiences as Yale Police Officers. Officer Hershman grew up in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Officer Farrier grew up in Trinidad, an island in the Caribbean. Although born in different areas, both officers were raised in a family of public servants that shaped them into the officer they are today. They share how their personality traits progress throughout their years in uniform while exceeding personal, communal, and law enforcement goals. Officer Hershman and Officer Farrier do more than serve and protect. In addition, they are doctors, friends, teachers, role models, and more! Tune into how both officers highlight the importance of giving back to the community by networking, listening, and creating lost-lasting relationships

Yale University, Assistant Chief of Police Anthony Campbell (Yale College ’95 / Yale Divinity ’09) and Mary Orsak (Yale College’22) and member of the Yale Advisory Committee for Community Policing.  Responding to individuals who are affected by mental illness or are in crisis is an increasing challenge and an important issue in policing. Chief Campbell and Mary join together to discuss the topic of mental health with respect to community policing and assess the topic of mental health and its strategy redefinition of police response.  Assistant Chief Campbell and Mary articulate the importance of educating the Yale campus community regarding the various techniques that are utilized by police officers when responding to calls that may involve the mental health and well-being of the involved parties.   

The episode was recorded in November 2021.  Congratulations Mary being awarded Rhodes Scholarship.

Resources:

Yale Mental Health & Counseling. Yale Health Mental Health & Counseling provides free, confidential mental health treatment to members of the Yale student community. We offer a wide range of services including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication consultations and management. 

Phone: 203-432-0290. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. For urgent concerns after hours, call Acute Care 203-432-0123.

Walden Peer Counseling – peer-to-peer counseling for undergraduate students at 203-432-TALK (8255). Resources are available during the academic year when classes are in session; the hotline operates from 8pm to 8am every night.

The SHARE Center Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education.  located on the Lower Level of Yale Health and open for appointments Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.  Counselors available 24/7 (203 432-2000). All interactions with SHARE are confidential and can be anonymous if you wish. SHARE is available to all members of the Yale community who are dealing with sexual misconduct of any kind, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence, and more. We assist individuals who are dealing with both current/recent and past experiences, as well as offer support to those who may experience something indirectly such as supporting friends, family or loved ones or witnessing something of concern. Additionally, we have resources for individuals who may have concerns about their own behavior.

Chief Ronnell Higgins and Kimberly M. Goff-Crews, Secretary & Vice President for University Student Life ’83 B.A., ’86 J.D. discuss the evolution of public safety and community policing, concerning various cultures coming together from a multitude of backgrounds. Kim emphasizes the importance of becoming familiar with the people in the community to strengthen the connection and co-production of public safety. Chief Higgins and Kim speak about the importance of the relationship between students and the police regarding the "Fit for Purpose" response. 

Ronnell Higgins meets with Ray Hassett to discuss the evolution of community policing. Ray trains both civilian and law enforcement domestically and internationally in de-escalation and bystander intervention.  Ray brings a unique perspective as a retired NHPD Lt. and professional actor.  Ray is keen to educate civilians about the role they play. For example: Where is your mind when you are out in public? How to read situations and assess way before a crisis.

Episode 4: Bike Life

Are those who ride bikes malevolent to society or just expressing themselves in a different form? Campus Rollcall invites John Brehon, AKA Johnny “B”, co-owner of the Devil’s Gear Bike Shop, in New Haven CT, to engage in conversation about young people riding bikes in the community. Chief Higgins and Mr. Brehon explore how riding bikes has created an opportunity for individuals to come together from different cities to show off their talents. The common interest has encouraged love, respect, and friendships among the diverse bike riders. The bike culture has become a method assisting positively to individuals’ mental health, broken homes, and identities. Tune into how Chief Higgins and Mr. Brehon shifts viewpoints of the public, offers advice to police officers, addresses bike theft, and more. 

Director of Yale Public Safety & Chief of Yale Police, Ronnell Higgins and Assistant Chief of Police, Anthony Campbell, connect with Yale rising senior Marimar Calisto. Calisto serves as a student liaison, posing questions regarding student safety as well as the combined effort that is Yale Public Safety. The chiefs discuss the role of Yale security, the need for armed YPD officers, and the relationship between the Yale and New Haven police departments. Through questions about what students can expect from interactions with Yale Public Safety, the chiefs aim to further connect with the Yale student body.

Director of Yale Public Safety & Chief of Yale Police, Ronnell Higgins, and Assistant Chief Campbell welcome author, analyst, and public safety official, Dr. Cedric Alexander, to ascertain his thoughts on the movement to reimagine public safety. Alexander expresses the need for a refined recruitment and training process, addressing the officers now charged with the murder of George Floyd. Calling for a change in police culture, Dr. Alexander covers the characteristics of good public safety leadership, as well as his thoughts on “Abolish the Police” and what he believes to be the future of policing in America.  

Director of Yale Public Safety & Chief of Yale Police, Ronnell Higgins, sits down with Assistant Chief of Police, Anthony Campbell, to reflect on their careers in law enforcement. The two discuss their initial introduction to the field as well as their continued hard work and success to their current positions. Both chiefs share a message to the community, alongside social commentary regarding modern day policing coming out of the pandemic and amidst social climate.