By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor

Among several changes in the ACU Police Department, the enforcement of parking tickets will change slightly this year.

The old software used for tickets was not compatible with the conversion to Banner, so new software was purchased.

Tickets are still issued the same way, with a slip of paper left on the student’s windshield, but the ticket will now be posted to the student’s account the day of the violation rather than six to 10 days later. The student will have five days to appeal the ticket.

“It’s a much more streamlined process,” said Jimmy Ellison, chief of police. “Students will still have the right to appeal, but it is their responsibility to know the regulations.”

Ellison said he also intends to gradually begin some bicycle patrol on campus, as well as step up the foot patrol.

“The shuttles have been a big hit, and I think seeing the bikes would be a reassuring sign to the students,” Ellison said.

One change that students probably won’t notice is a slight personnel change.

Ellison wants to create a supervisory position in the department, similar to a sergeant, and promote one of the seven officers. This position would help Ellison in dealing with the day-to-day scheduling and would take over some investigative duties.

“Having someone in that position would be a better utilization of our resources, which would better serve the community,” Ellison said.

“It would allow me to focus on key investigations and follow up on every case, no matter how minor.”

Last year, the campus police had so many investigations that they ended up working on two or three significant cases at the same time, Ellison said.