As darkness falls on campus, a program awakens to aid U students stuck in night classes or cramming for an exam in the library.
From dusk until dawn, students strolling home through a dark campus always have the option of a U security officer’s company.
The Department of Public Safety at the U offers the After Dark Campus Safety Escort Service with no fee and no frequency limit for its users. A phone call to 585-COPS and an explanation of your whereabouts will earn you the benefit of a security officer for the walk home-or whatever your destination, providing it is somewhere on campus.
Some officers are on foot and some provide vehicles, but Administrative Sergeant Lynn Rohland emphasizes, “We are not designed to be a taxi service.”
As of yet, the service has not experienced any real problems with this sort of misunderstanding. Rohland points out that the service is “underutilized.”
Escorts are available 365 days a year and their service is not limited to students. No affiliation with the U is necessary to utilize the program — it is offered to anyone while on campus.
Rohland feels new students, in particular, should be aware of this service.
Escorts ensure that individuals have climbed safely into their cars and started them without a problem. Security vehicles are also equipped with jumper cables, if necessary.
For students who take night classes, the U Police Department offers some general tips for walking at night, which include being aware of your surroundings, walking confidently and never talking on a cell phone.
The use of emergency phones, however, is a different matter. These “E-phones” are located all over campus and function as if one were dialing 911.
If a handle is picked up, a blue light goes off and the call rings directly to police dispatch. An officer will show up if a call is made to ensure that the area is safe.
“If you see something strange or unusual, trust your instincts and let us know immediately,” Rohland said.
“Always call if you’re unsure.”
Jared Redekopp