Steve Enright is a commander with the TCU Police Department who decided to complete his undergraduate degree after 32 years with the Fort Worth Police Department and joining TCU Police in 2019. One of the first classes he took was Introduction to Social Work. Enright shared thoughts on his work as a student and an officer.
How has your Introduction to Social Work course aided you in your criminal justice work?
It has really helped in both how I approach and assist people. People are always experiencing trauma that others know little about. I consider this and attempt to establish trustworthiness before beginning a dialogue with those in need of our services. Through this, we can collaborate, empower and overcome situations to the benefit of everyone involved.
How do you feel now that you’re almost done with your bachelor’s degree?
I could have done this how many years ago? Retrospect is a terrible thing, and I wonder, had I in the 1970s completed a degree, what path would I have taken? I think there’s a purpose for everything. I think there’s a much higher power that guides me. I have a wonderful family, I have beautiful children, I’ve been successful, and I’ve been happy. I accomplished everything that I could ever ask for. I’ve raised two responsible, loving children. I’ve got a loving, stable marriage, which, in my profession, is challenging. We’ve just been very blessed with everything. We want for nothing, and we try and give back as much as we can.
Who makes up the campus police department?
Most of our force is made up of former commanders and supervisors and specialized officers, like SWAT unit officers. There are a lot of people that would like to be a part of it, and we choose only the very best.
What are some of the resources that the department offers that students may not know about?
Our availability is the biggest resource, in my opinion. We are available 24 hours a day. You can contact us at any time. We have numerous things to help the community such as active shooter programs and defensive tactics programs and many other resources.
Is there anything that you want TCU students to know?
TCU police officers bleed purple. We have such a tremendous community, so accepting of everyone, and so respectful of everyone’s opinions. We can walk the campus here and engage in a dialogue and respect one another’s opinions. We are unique and it’s probably the greatest attributes that we as a community have