No, our public safety didn’t get replaced by a mall cop. Students have started to notice that the Bakersfield College public safety officers have traded in their car for a scooter.
“Every time I see it, it reminds me of that movie Paul Bart Mall Cop,” said BC student Ellyse Silva.
Sgt. Christopher Counts, who’s in charge of Public Safety, went into detail about the new addition.
“The scooter is actually called a T-3. We have had it for two weeks now. It’s electric so it saves on gas. The thing is we have four cars that we use, and one of them has gotten so old that the cost to keep it up will be much more than the T-3. Cars cost three times as much as a T-3. We’re trying to do our part in keeping the budget low.”
Some BC students feel differently. Lily Rodriguez, who will be transferring to CSUB, believes it is a waste. “I understand it gets them from point A to point B quicker rather than on foot. But I also think that’s a waste of educational funds.”
Omar Alvarado, who is majoring in Engineering, comments, “I think it’s a pointless addition to the school because it’s a college not high school where fights break out and you need people constantly monitoring.”
Counts says that this year they’re trying to keep cars off campus as much as possible in an attempt to make things safer for staff and students.
“Its quicker and easier to get around,” he said. “We still have the three cars that will be used to drive on campus if necessary or in case of an emergency. Using the T-3 they can hear and see more clearly. We’re going to be getting another T-3 soon if not this year. At the moment only 4 of the 13 officers are trained to ride it. So of course were going to get everyone trained and certified. Can’t wait for the second one to show up.”
BC student Anna M. Salazar just started noticing them.
“Its really interesting,” she said. “I love that it’s electric and saves money, but it’s hard to take them seriously, but it’s better than riding around on a bicycle.”
Roxy Angulo agrees that the scooters look strange.
“Its weird but it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “Whatever works for them.”