PODCAST - In this interview of the WGNS Action Line, host Scott Walker sits down with Middle Tennessee State University Police Chief Edwin "Ed" Kaup to discuss the start of the new fall semester. With move-in days kicking off the academic year, Chief Kaup shares his personal connection to the excitement as a first-generation college graduate himself, noting the vibrant, community-focused atmosphere that over 20,000 students bring to the campus. The conversation highlights the impressive scale of the MTSU Police Department, which boasts a budget for 46 sworn officers - making it larger than many municipal departments across the state. While the tone remains highly positive about the returning student body and the university's growth, the dialogue establishes a reassuring foundation regarding how well-equipped the campus is to handle the massive influx of people.
They also discuss more serious, yet vital, topics of campus safety and modern surveillance. Walker and Chief Kaup dive deeply into the use of license plate readers and the extensive network of over 1,400 cameras on campus, addressing texts and public concerns about the feeling of "being followed" in today's digital age. Chief Kaup provides a straightforward perspective on this surveillance, explaining that while the cameras and blue light systems are crucial for public safety and resolving missing property cases, students must also take personal responsibility by avoiding experimenting with drugs and remembering to lock their doors. The chief also briefly touches on the department's role in investigating severe, real-world tragedies like unattended deaths and sexual assaults, grounding the conversation in the serious reality of university law enforcement.
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Length: 15-Minutes
