In 2010, the University of Central Florida Police Department detained 30 people under the Baker Act, a state law that allows law enforcement to temporarily hold those who are deemed a threat to themselves or others.
By 2017, that number was 118.
Whether that increase is due to the proliferation of social media or typical student stresses, campus police officers are routinely expected to juggle being a cop as well as a therapist. The stakes are high: in December, a 24-year-old student took his life on campus. During two other incidents in the past year, students faced charges after illegally possessing or modifying high-powered weapons.
In response to that demand, the department recently assigned Detective Luis Rivera to be UCFPD's first "Persons of Concern" detective.
Rivera _ who has handled more than 100 cases over the past year for students who have been suicidal, mentally ill or even homicidal _ was honored as UCFPD's Officer of the Year during an awards ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 27. He was also named the Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year for the entire Central Florida region.
"He's part counselor, part detective _ in some cases he has prevented individuals from hurting themselves, and in some cases he's prevented individuals from hurting other people right here at UCF," Chief Carl Metzger said. " ... We're going to take a sample of his blood and clone him, because we need about three Luises."
Rivera, 45, is tasked with meeting each person of concern, building a rapport, assessing their threat to the campus and consistently checking up on them. His commendation said he's known to sit down and talk with students over cups of coffee _ which he buys out of his own pocket.
"I want to help people," Rivera said. "I want to help people at their lowest levels, and that's what I'm doing right now."
Others honored at the ceremony include a group who went to the Florida Panhandle to assist with Hurricane Michael recovery efforts; an officer who developed a bond with a student who posted a picture holding a gun to his head on social media; and Officer Victoria Scott and Sgt. Anthony Chronister, who saved the life of a student who threatened to jump off a parking garage last year.
Body-camera video from March 27 shows Scott and Chronister slowly approaching the student, who was on the phone with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline while sitting on the ledge of Garage F, her feet dangling over the side.
They tell the woman they're worried about her and want to talk to her. Chronister asks her about her studies. She tells him she's on academic probation.
"I'm a waste of time," the student says. " ... There's so many other people on campus."
"Why do you think we're here if you're a waste of time?" Chronister asks. He and Scott eventually grab the student and pull her to safety.
If you are in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. UCF students can reach the Counseling and Psychological Services hotline at 407-823-2811.
