7 Things About Lamine Secka

Lamine Secka is the interim Chief of Police at San Diego State University. He strives to create a safe environment conducive to academic excellence.

1. What inspired you to do this kind of work?

I began working in law enforcement as a student worker or CSO (Community Service Officer) with the UCSD police department when I attended UCSD. I then moved on to becoming a police dispatcher for UCSD PD. After working as a dispatcher for some time, and always sending officers to calls but never seeing or hearing how they turned out, I decided to attend the police academy so that I could make a difference in the outcome of such calls. I originally attended the police academy with the San Diego Police Department.

2. How long have you worked at SDSU?

Seven-and-a-half years. Started in September 2005

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

“Police work is the only profession that allows you to use every piece of knowledge that you have, no matter how significant or seemingly trivial.”

This is true because often times it’s that random piece of information or fun factoid that allows you to make a connection with someone who is in crisis and help to resolve a situation peacefully.

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

No two days are ever the same!

5. What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most?

Two things:  How much the average police officer sees in a career and how much police officers care about the community they serve.  As I often say in presentations, we are the only people on campus who get paid to run toward gunfire, and we do so willingly and without question. We miss holidays, family events and birthdays in order to provide a service to the communities we serve. Typically we deal with 10 percent of the population, but we deal with them 90 percent of the time.  People don’t often call the police when they are having a good day. They call because something in their life has gone awry and they are in crisis. The challenge of being there when people need you and truly serving the public is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

The police officers I work with all care about the communities they serve and are enthusiastic about doing so.  There is certainly an element of risk involved which is partly what makes the job rewarding — overcoming that risk successfully.  But officers I know, and especially those here at SDSU, are genuinely focused on serving the community and ensuring a safe environment for all.

6. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

That I spoke fluent Swedish as a child.

7. If you could only rescue one thing from your burning office, what would it be?

I probably would be too busy responding to the call to save anything.

Bonus:

1. What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands?

I listen to everything from classical to Metallica, however, my favorite since childhood is always Stevie Wonder.

2. What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?

Los Angeles Lakers (Although Aztecs are a close second).  Magic Johnson.