Focus, Structure of MSU Department of Police and Public Safety Adjusts to Better Represent Priorities of Spartan Community

<p><a href="https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/police-adjust-structure">The reorganization</a> took effect July 1st and places greater emphasis on community engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; relationship violence and sexual misconduct; professional standards and public integrity; and behavioral support services.</p><p>Many of the changes directly align with the recommendations made by the <a href="https://president.msu.edu/initiatives/dei-plan/racial-equity-taskforce.html">Task Force on Racial Equity</a> police working group, and the initiatives outlined in the <a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf39ed27">Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Strategic Plan</a>.</p><p>Deputy Chief Andrea Munford will lead the Community Support Bureau, including the Special Victims Unit, Center for Trauma-Informed Investigative Excellence, and the Community Care Unit. Munford will continue her role as special adviser to the president and RVSM issues.</p><p><br>Chief Lynch will be bringing members of his leadership team with him to talk about their areas of focus in the department in a regular podcast series on MSU Today we’re affectionately calling <em>Chopping It Up with the Chief</em>. Deputy Chief Munford is Chief Lynch’s guest on this episode.</p><p>“It is a fantastic opportunity to serve my alma mater in this capacity,” says Chief Lynch in referring to his first six months on the job leading public safety at MSU. “Having the ability to make positive contributions and have direct impact on our community is a great opportunity.”</p><p><br>On the reasons for the restructuring, Lynch says “I felt it was important that we aligned to the mission of the university. We still provide our traditional police services, and we’re emphasizing direct community engagement and community support, meaning everything from behavioral support to relationship violence and sexual misconduct. What we do every day is engage with our community, and so having diversity, equity, and inclusion be a part of everything that we