For Theo Comer, a new IUS Police officer, growing up in Gary, Ind., is what influenced his passion for law enforcement.
Gary is known as the murder capital of the world, and, growing up, Comer lost many friends to the violence. That is why he decided to become a police officer.
“I decided I wanted to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem,” Comer said.
Because he grew up in a rough city, Comer developed a good street sense and can tell when someone is lying. He attributes these skills to what makes him a successful police officer.
He previously worked as a police officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in Indianapolis. After working there for a few years, he decided he needed a change of pace and wanted to experience a different side of law enforcement.
He found the IUS position on the Internet and applied. He started at IU Southeast on Jan. 19. This is his first job as a police officer at a college.
“I love my job,” Comer said.
Comer works full-time on third shift. He said his job is to keep the faculty, staff and students safe on campus and to respond to emergencies. He also locks up buildings.
He said he likes working here because he can associate with other police departments.
“I get a chance to communicate with the Floyd County/New Albany police,” Comer said.
Charles Edelen, IUS Police chief, said Comer’s experience at the Marion County Sherriff’s Department helped him get the job and he has been an asset to the IUS Police.
“Theo has been an excellent hire as a police officer,” Edelen said.
Comer attended the Indianapolis/Marion County Police Training Academy. It was a 16-week, metro-based academy, meaning, it was more in-depth training than the state academy.
Comer attributes being a good police officer to his training in the U.S. Navy. Comer served for six years, was attached to the USS Abraham Lincoln and left as an E5 Petty Officer 2nd Class.
While in the Navy, Comer joined a program called Blue to Green, which allowed military police in the Navy to be deployed to Iraq for nine months in order to gain experience.
Comer’s job was to provide security for convoys. He said this experience helped him pay attention to detail more, which helps him be a good police officer.
Also while serving in the Navy, Comer got to work for a three-star admiral as part of his staff and traveled the world. Because of his high scores, he got to pick what he wanted to do out of what was available.
He said, every three months, he would travel to a different country. He said he has been everywhere in the world except Austria. Comer said traveling to different countries made him more cultured.
In his free time, Comer said he likes to play basketball, lift weights and play with his two children, who are 2 and 3 years old.
By AMANDA FRENCH
Staff Writer
aafrench@imail.iu.edu