Tarleton State University welcomed two new police officers to the University Police Department, John Schloeman and Carlos Loya.

“They both have a lot of experience,” said Police Chief Matt Welch.

Shloeman is a retired Fort Worth officer. Before he left the Fort Worth Police Department, he was a traffic accident reconstruction detective. Prior to joining the Tarleton PD, he worked for a probation department and spent some time teaching.

Welch said Loya is a “package deal.” Loya’s wife, Dr. Melody Loya, is the new department head of the Social Work program.

Loya is a bilingual, ex-military man, that previously worked as an officer at the Amarillo Community College.

“So when he applied here, we jumped the to get him because not too many officers have college experience,” Welch said.

Welch explained that there are some differences between being a city officer and a university officer due to the Clery Act, which states that colleges and universities must provide disclosure of campus security policy along with campus crime statistics to the public, and Title IX, which states that no one should be discriminated or denied of any programs or education due to their sex.

Unlike most city officers, the Tarleton PD has a special bond with the faculty, staff and students, in fact some of the officers can be seen eating at the dining hall while conversations with students.

The Tarleton PD offers programs to help students who are dealing problems involving assault, sexual assault and dating violence.

Currently the Tarleton PD is hoping to be able to gain one more member to the department. Welch explained that the department is authorized to have 17 officers, but the department usually has around 15 officers due to the nature of the hiring process.

The officers who apply for the position must go through in-house training period, where the officers-to-be ride with a training officer for about three months before they can ride on their own.

“From the time someone quits to the time someone is working by themselves is around six months,” said Welch.

Welch is excited for his new officers and is happy to bring them in to the Tarleton PD.

Welch said, “They are both seasoned and experiences officers and we are glad to have them here.”