Jerry, a novice Campus Security patrolman at a major research and teaching university, discovers a body in one of the engineering laboratories, an apparent accident. As he explores the academic environment, he encounters elaborate student pranks. He is led through a series of very technical clues by graduate students. These clues may indicate that the accident was really an ingenious murder. Is it possible that Jerry is being led down the garden path in the biggest prank yet? As he works through his first year as campus cop, the contrasts between public and university ethics and notions of justice become more obvious. The results of crime range from death, through a good chuckle, to public fame. Justice becomes confused as Jerry gradually develops a new understanding of the meaning of "to protect and serve." With the exception of the possible murder, all the events and personalities are real, based on the author's 40 year experience in higher education. The names of places and people have been changed to protect the innocent (and guilty.)
Jerry, a novice Campus Security patrolman at a major research and teaching university, discovers a body in one of the engineering laboratories, an apparent accident. As he explores the academic environment, he encounters elaborate student pranks. He is led through a series of very technical clues by graduate students. These clues may indicate that the accident was really an ingenious murder. Is it possible that Jerry is being led down the garden path in the biggest prank yet? As he works through his first year as campus cop, the contrasts between public and university ethics and notions of justice become more obvious. The results of crime range from death, through a good chuckle, to public fame. Justice becomes confused as Jerry gradually develops a new understanding of the meaning of "to protect and serve." With the exception of the possible murder, all the events and personalities are real, based on the author's 40 year experience in higher education. The names of places and people have been changed to protect the innocent (and guilty.)
