As the community outreach and involvement liaison for the U of A Police Department, Cpl. Allen Porter considers his role not simply a job, but a vocation. 

"I knew I wanted to be in community outreach, and I was confident I had the aptitude for it. When I was hired for this role, I've never felt surer that this is where I am supposed to be."  

Porter describes his role as the bridge between the campus community and the police department, with many opportunities to collaborate on campus safety events and programs such as orientation. He spearheads a campus safety initiative and presents about the SafeZone mobile safety app across campus. The app includes a check-in timer for students who are walking alone across campus or even traveling outside of the country.   

"I've had the opportunity to go to the United Kingdom twice through my work with SafeZone," Porter said. "I've been able to learn about  policing for university campuses around the globe."

Porter says that similarly to most people in law enforcement, the job chose him. Becoming a police officer is a decision that should be considered carefully. The responsibility of the job is increased by the need for a better understanding of community relationships, partnerships and transparent communications.  

 "If it's what you're made of, it's what you do. And if you find a place where you can do your best work, that's where you will stay."   

Porter has worked in the justice system since 2000, when his career began as a correctional officer for the state of Illinois. In 2009, he transitioned to work as a police officer, and because of family, he moved to Northwest Arkansas in late 2011. In July 2012, after a short time at the Benton County Sheriff's Office, he began work at UAPD. With a background in competitive Tae Kwon Do, he became a defense tactics instructor for UAPD, and in 2016, he applied for his role as liaison.  

When Porter started as a police officer, he was working in a city with a high crime rate. "In that environment, the life of a police officer is either short or it skews you," he said. "Skewed police officers are not what our society needs today."  

Crime prevention is not the sole focus of his job, and Porter beamed as he spoke about a more holistic approach to community policing. "My time in this career field has never been so rich as it is right now," Porter said. "The relationships between communities and police have always been and continue to be difficult. My intention is to work toward changing this narrative. I have always been an advocate for people and protector of rights. At the university, I am in the perfect position to bring the two together in my community."  

Porter makes the most of additional ways to serve on campus. He's been a staff senator as well as part of the campus council and the appeals committee for Transit and Parking. Twice a year, he partners with the student government and facilities management on the campus light tour to make sure lighting and paths are optimal for safety.  

"Working at the university lets me be the police officer I want to be. Yes, I can investigate and be on patrol, but I can also mentor — spend time, be available and follow up," Porter said. "Students will see me in my office in the Union, on patrol, on social media, and they can see me as a person, not just an officer of the law."   

Porter has also been using the staff tuition discount to work toward his education degree.   

"When I moved to Northwest Arkansas, I was a little intimidated. With progressive companies such as J.B. Hunt, Walmart and Tyson drawing top talent, how was I going to start a career without a degree? Working at the U of A and simultaneously pursuing my degree has helped me realize that I indeed fit in this environment."

About the Employee Spotlight Series: The employee spotlight series highlights U of  A faculty and staff members, the impact they have on campus and the community more broadly and what makes the university an employer of choice for them individually. Each U of A employee plays a critical role in advancing the 150 Forward strategic priorities: advancing student success, achieving research excellence and enhancing the university's status as an employer of choice. If you have a recommendation of an employee to interview, contact Rachel Gerner at rgerner@uark.edu.