Community Oriented Policing Services is a valuable asset to many schools and communities. If this is so, then why would President George W. Bush want to cut funding to such a program? Bush’s budget was aimed at cutting the funding of programs such as the C.O.P.S. program at Saint Louis University.

Gary L. Gray, C.O.P.S officer, believes that Bush won’t completely phase out the program, but just make revisions to it. However, if Bush does completely cut funding, Gray thinks that many schools will continue the program because of the effectiveness it has in the community, school and departments.

C.O.P.S. is possible at SLU through a federal grant. According to the Department of Public Safety, even if the program is cut and SLU doesn’t receive the grant, the program will continue by means of DPS and Residence Life.

“C.O.P.S. is a philosophy. In the program, we have to develop a partnership with the advisory board, staff and students collectively to solve problems,” said Jack Titone, DPS director.

As a part of new student orientation, the C.O.P.S program discusses campus safety and precautions. One such program Safety and Security, is part of Residence Life’s Community 101. C.O.P.S., along with other University departments and student organizations, sponsors programs on issues that are related to safety.

“Overall, I think the C.O.P.S. program is essential to SLU because we deal with establishments in and around SLU-to make sure everybody is safe,” said Gray.