Faces of Brown is an occasional feature to introduce the Brown community to colleagues.
Marital status: divorced; two children: Danielle, 8, and David, 5
Working here since: Sept. 17, 1990
Hobbies: golf and hiking
What is your professional background? Before I came to Brown I worked several jobs in many different areas. My last position was driving a 10-wheel dump truck.
What attracted you to Brown? Job security
What has kept you here? The community has kept me here. I have been at Brown for eight years. During this time I have established many relationships with my brother and sister officers, students, faculty and staff - who make my job even more enjoyable.
Worst part of your job? It is extremely difficult and frustrating to be a licensed police officer in a nationally accredited police department and not be armed. As a peace officer, I am responsible to protect and serve the community, and to do such a job as an unarmed officer can be extremely difficult - and life threatening at times. ...
My job is to enforce the RI state laws along with the University's rules and regulations. Rules and regulations do not warrant armed police, but enforcing state law does.
Best part of your job? Being a detective at Brown has challenged me in many different areas. I thrive on the challenge of catching the bad guy and watching him or her go before a court of law. I also find a great deal of satisfaction when I mm able to help someone in need - whether it be a victim, witness or someone who just needs guidance.
What is the worst stereotype folks have of this department? A large majority of the Brown community is unaware of all the services that Brown Police and Security provides. Now that our department has reached national accreditation, maybe we will get the recognition that we've deserved for many years. And then there's always that coffee and doughnut thing ...
If given the opportunity to say one thing to the entire community what would you say? Don't view Brown Police and Security as your local hometown police department. We are a unique group of men and women who care. Give the officers a chance before you label him or her a "bad," "abusive" or "racist" cop. Grant the officers a chance to show you how much we care and are willing to help you. We are here to protect and serve everyone ... service being a key role in our department.
If you could change one thing about your job, what would you change? I would like to expand the Investigations Unit. ... Ideally, in the near future I would like to process my own crime scenes and not have to call in Providence Police.
What has been one of the highlights during your time with Police and Security? Being promoted from security officer to police officer; graduating from the Rhode Island State Municipal Police Academy; being transferred to detective. These were highlights in my career because it put me on track to reaching my goals. I was also happy to see my father [former Chief Dennis L. Boucher] get promoted from captain to chief of this department. I'm following his footsteps. My father started as a patrolman and retired as the chief of this department. At this point, I am halfway there. That's a highlight!