Proper Technology Deployment Leads to Savings
Spicuzza has also been able to identify when her department’s technology is underutilized. When she arrived at UC Davis in 2005, she was told by staff that their recently purchased and rather pricey records management system wasn’t working. 
“The technology was there, but individuals weren’t using all of it,” she says. “They reinvented certain processes and inadvertently circumvented the system.” This method, which involved a lot of paperwork, was time consuming and inefficient.
After a consultant confirmed the chief’s suspicions that the technology was good but wasn’t being used properly, the department changed the way it handles its records and numbering system. The records management system is now being used as intended, which has resulted in efficiencies and cost savings. Instead of three employees handling the department’s records, now only one staff member is responsible for that task. The funding for the saved positions was redirected to assist in other areas of the department.
Additionally, the one employee who remains has a much easier job. According to Spicuzza, “Our records employee, when asked to pull a case, will usually confirm how simple the system is to use. Now she says, ‘I can’t believe we weren’t doing this before.’”
Team Work Results in Greater Availability of Resources
One of the most significant successes Spicuzza has achieved since starting with UC Davis has been her development of partnerships with other departments at the institution. These have resulted in improved on-campus relationships and additional resources.
For example, the library paid for the police department to have a substation in its building. This has increased officer visibility in the library, which has pleased campus administrators and students.
Spicuzza also implemented a security post in the health system’s emergency room, resulting in a safety satisfaction rating increase from 4 percent to 90 percent. “The relationship between the medical center and our officers has improved 100 times because they are being seen, and we’ve done trainings for them on personal safety,” says the chief.
In developing these partnerships with other departments at the institution, “Do the right thing” is Spicuzza’s motto. In fact, it’s her philosophy with all of her work. “If people trust you’re doing the best you can for all the right reasons and you’re doing it the right way, when you do need a little help, they are there for you.” She also believes running a police department is like running a small business. “This department is in the black due to the professionals employed here. Their commitment to our community is outstanding. Our profit is measured by the credibility and trust we earn, not only from our partners, but from our community as a whole.”
NOTE: Nominations for the 2009 Campus Safety Director of the Year program are now being accepted. The entry form and judging criteria can be found at www.campussafetymagazine.com/DirectorOfTheYear. Coverage of previous years’ winners and finalists can also be found on this site.
