Selah Vetter, Staff Writer
The second candidate for the Director of Public Safety at Samford University spoke at an open forum on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Candidate Tyler Roden is currently the Chief of Police at Wallace State Community College. Roden previously worked in Cullman County as an investigator and sheriff. He has 33 years of law enforcement experience.
According to his resume, Roden attended the Northeast Alabama Police Academy and FBI National Academy. He has extensive collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, such as Clery and Title IX. Roden is a member of the AL Association of Chiefs of Police and the Alabama Sheriff’s Association.
Roden said he prioritizes a partnership with the Samford community in order to establish a safe and educated community.
“Problems that arise often go back to a lack of communication,” Roden said.
Should he be offered the position, Roden said he plans to focus on community interaction. Roden wants to coordinate with other university offices and the Homewood Police Department. He hopes to build professional relationships so the community will understand the roles of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management.
“Members of the department will be encouraged to have professional relationships with members of the campus community,” Roden said.
Roden prioritizes strengthening the department’s operation and enforcement. He would implement more patrol officers with new hours. He wants to have officers available during night classes and during campus activities.
“Consistent and steadfast in our efforts to be available,” Roden said.
Roden intends to create new crime prevention and safety awareness programs. More physical security and a greater emphasis on security cameras would be implemented. Roden also hopes to further comply with the Clery Act and Title IX.
Roden is excited to possibly work with Samford University. He enjoys working with new communities and solving new problems.
“The one thing that appeals to me about this job is the challenges,” Roden said.
