Erika Hasson wants students on campus to know that she is approachable. If you see her around campus don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Courtesy of Erika Hasson
By Juliet Di Preta
Erika Hasson has been a member of the University Police Department for five and a half years but has been a member of the Bulls community since she enrolled as an undergraduate at the university in 2003.
Hasson began working at UPD in March 2013 and currently holds the job title Master Police Officer, Policy and Standards. Her primary responsibility is to serve as UPD’s accreditation manager.
“I make sure our policies and procedures are in compliance with current laws, university regulations and accreditation requirements,” she said. “Unfortunately that means a lot of time is spent in my office, but I try to get out and about on campus as much as possible.”
Hasson was originally an education major before she switched to criminology. Before holding her current position, she worked for the St. Petersburg Police Department just south of campus. It was there where she became re-acquainted with the campus and UPD.
“As to what brought me back, it’s probably the same answer as most students, staff and faculty at USFSP: It’s a great place to be,” she said. “We are a community worth being a part of. And the campus is beautiful.”
Hasson grew up in Orange Park, Florida and returned there for a few years after graduating college before returning to Tampa Bay in 2010.
“I am married with two daughters, Emily and Sophie. They both have birthdays next week actually,” she said.
Her daughter Emily will be 4 and Sophie 1.
“I have a dog, Bella, a snake, Salazar, and my 4-year-old has a fish, Nemo,” Hasson said.
Bella is an Australian Shepherd mix, rescued from the SPCA in 2011.
“We are at least her third family, but I can’t imagine why anyone gave her up. She is more like a 40-pound cat than a dog,” said Hasson.
Salazar joined the Hasson family in 2012 when Erika’s husband wanted a Ball Python, but instead they agreed on a red corn snake.
“Nemo is the newest addition. Santa brought him to Emily for Christmas,” Hasson said. “He is a blue Beta that lives in her room.”
Hasson enjoys the fall and winter activities in the area. She is looking forward to festivals, parades and pumpkin spice lattes.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
