Safety on campus is a major concern for both students and parents alike. Public safety is a responsibility of each and every one at the University or college. Taking that heart message into deep consideration, many students have organized into a posse of self-protection. Whether your campus is urban or rural, small or big, many students nowadays appear very reluctant to venture into the night alone for parties and other social gatherings. They would rather stay indoors in the comfort of their beds. Using the shuttles between residence halls and libraries are a fact of day-to-day life. Often, the shuttles have long wait for lines, and many colleges have decided to invest heavily on these shuttles just to keep the student safe within the institution. For instance, the University of Miami had put in place measures to ensure that their surveillance system and smart camera are added with license-plate recognition software to use algorithms that detect any suspicious movements and behavior within the campus, such as loitering, sudden stopping of the cars, people falling, to name just but a few (Allen and Lengfellner 30).
Crime occurs everywhere in the society even in college. Therefore, it is very important to avoid crime at any cost and stay safe. Even so, having the safety on campus is very possible by just taking a few simple steps and knowing what ate best resources to use in what situation. In this ways, students can stay as safe as possible at all times and decrease the potential risk of theft or any other crime. Many universities and colleges have emergency phone numbers and emergency alarms located at strategic points to make sure that students can easy call for help in case of a threat. It is very important for students to know where these are located on their frequently-used paths. When using unfamiliar parts of the campus, always look out for emergency points along your route in order to know the location of the nearest in case you may need it (Chen 322). Moreover, know the easiest and fastest way of contacting city or campus police. Their phone numbers should be posted in the college residences and even the off-campus apartments. It is also very critical to have the numbers personally programmed into your mobile phone. Some of the methods that campuses have used to keep the students safe include: developing a campus safety website, establishing a sexual harassment service, providing mental counseling and substance abuse programs, and providing escort and shuttle services.
Use of Campus Safety Websites
Today, many colleges and universities in the US maintain an interactive website that is strictly devoted to campus safety services and resources. The sites act as the watchdog of information that is covering all the safety services in the entire campus or university (Negrea 46). They may include fire resources, police, procedures, and plans in case of an emergency, sexual violence and assault service centers, counseling and guidance service centers, emergency contacts, and many others. Furthermore, these websites are the most appropriate place to visit and sign up for alert services from the campus. Students are usually advised to bookmark these websites in the mobile phones and personal computers.
Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Sexual violence and assault are one of the most notorious issues in campuses. Many colleges and universities provide thorough orientation programs for their new and continuing students on the topic of sexual assault. Also, written regulations and policies on affirmative verbal and sober consent to sexual behaviors should be strictly adhered to. Having the proper knowledge of this services in our campus and community should be among the top priorities for students, whether female or male.
Guidance and Counseling, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Programs
Anxiety, Depression, and stress are challenges that are found in plenty within our college settings. Many of these issues are associated with alcohol and drug abuse. Campuses have come to approach substance abuse and psychological problems as important safety issues that affect the entire society, not just an individual. Some campuses may also work hand in hand with other off-campus community programs to address this issue in general. However, many colleges and universities have their support program. Students should not shy away from guidance and counseling, mental health, and substance abuse services that are available to them for safety purposes.
Safe Rides, Escorts, and Shuttle Services
It is vital for the administration to check on the safety of the students when they are traveling or moving from one point of the university to another point. Safety may be by walking escort for the students, safe rides, as well as shuttles services. In the US, almost all campuses have employed one or all of these strategies to cover for the students’ safety and needs when traveling. Night safety escorts are often trained, uniformed, and radio-equipped personnel or even other student volunteers who provide walking escorts to hostels, nearby off-campus residence, bus stops, and parking lots. These services are mostly free and can be easily accessed by mobile phones or the campus’ safety websites.
Works Cited
Allen, Tammy J., and Linda G. Lengfellner. "Campus Violence Improving Safety in a University Setting." Public Safety (2016): 28-32. Print.
Chen, Li-Shan. "Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Mobile Information System For Campus Safety Management." International Journal of Organization Innovation (2008): 320-339. Print.
Negrea, Sherrie. "Safety in Hand." University Business (2013): 45-48. Print.
