Jordan Cornell
Lantern Staff
The Department of Campus Safety welcomes two new officers, bringing the officer total to five for the department. Officers Madysn Mitchell and Samaranayaka Chanaka both joined the campus police recently.
Mitchell, a Cowley County graduate, is excited to work in Public Safety as it has been something she has always been interested in.
“I have wanted to be a police officer for a really long time,” Mitchell said. “It was something that I was really passionate about when I was in high school.”
Mitchell also believes she will bring a female perspective to the campus department, which will benefit female students.
“I felt like I could really help the kids here,” Mitchell said. “Since I’m around the same age and I’m a girl, and for a lot of girls around here it’s easier to talk to women, so I felt like I would be a good asset.”
Mitchell is getting experience with the Campus Safety department until she goes to the Police Academy in February to become officially certified. Mitchell is working under a one-year provisional certificate she received when she was hired and sworn in that will allow her to train with the Butler Campus Safety department before she goes to the academy.
“We’re trying to get her exposed to everything that we can, so she gains experience,” Chief Jake Kenney said. “…when she gets to the academy, it’ll be easier because she has so much experience.”
Samaranayaka, who goes by Sam, also recently joined the Butler Campus Safety Department and is looking forward to the variety of work he will encounter on campus.
“Working on campus every day is more like community policing, where I have the opportunity to build rapport and have more time to interact with those I’m serving,” Samaranayaka said. “Every day is something new, which I consider exciting.”
Samaranayaka is originally from Sri Lanka and moved to this area in 2009 to attend Wichita State University. He previously worked in the mental health field for five years and worked closely with law enforcement.
“I desired to be more involved in my community,” Samaranayaka said. “and I thought my background and experiences would be beneficial in helping more people in a law enforcement position.”
Samaranayaka started with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department as a detention deputy and was quickly promoted to Sheriff’s Deputy. Samaranayaka then decided to join the Butler Campus Safety Department.
“When entering law enforcement, my goal was always to do community policing, being a campus officer fits well for that interest.” which Samaranayaka said. “I enjoy the small community feel and the communication I’m able to have with everyone.”
Given the officers’ personal, and professional experience, due to their job standards their background should prove helpful.
