Public Safety

Reading last Thursday's Middlebury Campus, it's evident that Midd Kids love their Public Safety Officers, especially Officer Chris. As for those who work in the lobby? Mmm, not so much.

Tess Russell gave a glowing report of her interview with Officer Chris and waxed poetically about what a popular guy he is; in the Op-Ed section, Chris Anderson lamented that when his visiting chums asked a woman working in Public Safety where the Q Lot is, "The woman didn't answer, but shoved a map in front of their faces and walked away." Chris adds, "Which to me, was incredible. Working in a customer service job myself, I know that there are right and wrong ways to speak to someone, to respond to questions and to maintain poise and professional courtesy."

Nobody's perfect. We all have those days. I believe Audrey Hepburn referred to them as the "mean reds" in Breakfast at Tiffany's. But it seems to me-- if you'll pardon my saying so-- that the "mean reds" occur with some frequency in the Public Safety office.

Most people I know groan at the idea of going to Public Safety. Whether you're picking up a new ID card, filing a report about your "missing" Patagonia fleece, or even dropping off your room key, the expectation is is that it's going to be an ordeal, it's going to be unpleasant.

MiddBlog wants to know: What has your experience been at Public Safety? How would you rate your customer service? Was it poor or fantastic?