But most officers do not fit the stereotypical mold of an iron-fisted law enforcement agent. Take, for instance, Eric Travis, a DPS patrol guard in East Quad Residence Hall. Travis, who has been walking the dorm for 10 years, prides himself on having good relations with students and trying not to act as a parental figure. He described his job as more of a protective and preventative measure to ensure students' safety.
Most actions are pro-active and preventative.
We don't enforce rules for our own jollies or satisfaction, but for the common good. On a typical night, Travis begins his shift by administering an exterior check in which he makes sure all the outside doors are secure and shut so that no intruders can have access to the building. After completing the exterior check, he usually stops by the Executive Residence lounge for a cop of coffee to keep him alert for the long night ahead of him. Once the meeting ends, Travis is off to perform the interior check, which usually takes anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour depending on the officer and the building. Travis usually performs these checks three to five times an evening, each time looking for any unusual activity and open rooms such as classrooms in the Residential College, which should be closed at night.