There will be no early retirement for Charles Davall. After the former Chief of Police of the Borough Police Department retired from the force on January 31st, he joined Public Safety as the new Deputy Director of Operations.
"It's not much different than my old job," Davall said. "But it is more hands-on, and I'm not as separated from the people as I used to be."
Davall has just begun to settle into his new position, but he has already set priorities to change the way Public Safety operates, hoping to expand its jurisdiction over policing and punishment.
The staff of Public Safety seems pleased to have Davall on board. "He's a very personable person, and we're excited to see him here," said Sgt. Kenneth Samuels.
After spending four years leading the Borough Police, Davall said that the move to Public Safety felt like a natural one, especially considering the history between Davall's family and the University.
"My father spent over twenty years on Public Safety and I virtually grew up on campus," he said with a laugh. "When I was in college we'd sometimes come up to Princeton on weekends to hit the clubs."
But what prompted Davall to take on this position was a desire to help shape the future of Public Safety, which is seeking a more autonomous role on campus. "I think that my previous experience was one of the reasons they wanted me to join. I hope I can use my knowledge to bring [Public Safety] to a different level," Davall said.
The proposed evolution of Public Safety will transform it from the security-oriented force that it is today to something that more closely resembles the Borough's police force.
Specifically, Public Safety is looking for more jurisdiction in handling disorderly person offenses and similar charges, which are the most common charges Public Safety cites, Davall said.
"Taking more responsibility for things that occur most often gives us a greater degree of autonomy to give more options for consequences," Davall explained.
A proposed change would allow Public Safety to take punishment matters into its own hands rather than immediately calling the Borough Police.
"I think it would be better for both the students and Public Safety to do it this way," Davall said. "The students could deal with their problems within the University and Public Safety wouldn't have to call in the Borough Police."
Davall has other goals he hopes to achieve in his new position. "I want to start meeting with student groups, to start increasing awareness about Public Safety," he added. "Once the dust settles, of course."
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