Safety first

Photo by Kanji Takeno

Police chief emphasizes importance of

community awareness, involvement

By Jan Lucas

TU's chief of police says he and his staff prefer a proactive— rather than reactive— approach to campus crime prevention. But they need our help.

“Everybody is concerned about campus safety and emergency preparedness, as they should be,” says Chief Bernard Gerst. “But the fact is that even the best-trained and equipped police department needs community involvement to be optimally effective.”

Case in point: The university’s campus emergency notification system. Introduced late last spring in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, E2Campus generated considerable attention and enthusiasm. Yet as of Sept. 5, fewer than 4,100 students, faculty and staff had actually signed on to receive the electronic alerts.

“The system can’t do its job unless people participate,” says Gerst. “If you have a text-message capable mobile phone, I strongly encourage you to register now by going to Campus Emergency Notification System.

"It’s easy and free," he adds. "Most important, it’s a reliable means of getting up-to-date information about severe weather, campus closings and public-safety issues.”     

While text-message alerts may be the newest addition to TU’s campus-safety arsenal, Gerst says the university has for years emphasized the importance of planning for contingencies. “The university has a standing Emergency Preparedness Committee composed of representatives from every area of the campus,” he says. “We take an all-hazards approach, with plans in place for natural as well as manmade emergencies.”

Gerst says the group has updated its emergency preparedness flip chart to include information on sheltering in place. To read it, go to Emergency and Crisis Management Procedures.

The Emergency Preparedness Committee recently completed for submission to the president an ambitious, comprehensive five-year plan to enhance safety on TU’s 328-acre campus. Recommendations include a campuswide public-address system, training programs, closed-circuit TV cameras, lighting upgrades and electronic door-access systems. Gerst concedes that the estimated price tag is a challenge, but says the Police Department is seeking external funding to help defray costs.

And although sophisticated crime deterrents have their place, Gerst says community awareness and involvement is crucial to maintaining a safe campus.

“The vast majority of campus crimes are crimes of opportunity,” he emphasizes. “Remember to take responsibility for your belongings—don’t leave your purse, phone, textbooks or other valuables unsecured, even for a minute. Our campus is a relatively safe place, but that doesn’t mean you can trust everyone. There will always be people who want to take your stuff.”

Gerst says his department developed Operation KeepSafe to assist members of the campus community with personal-safety awareness. “We talk to student organizations, academic and administrative departments—anyone who asks,” he emphasizes. “Call us if you’d like to schedule a presentation.”

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