Being Safe on Campus

Between September 11th and 20th, four muggings took place on the University of Bridgeport campus. Two of these incidents occurred on Atlantic Street, another in the Bryant Hall parking lot, and another in the Wisteria parking lot across from Cooper Hall. All four confrontations happened during the nighttime hours between 9 pm and 1 am.
After hearing about these events, campus security became concerned. April Vournelis, the head of the Department of Campus Security, was upset to learn that two of the victims involved in the muggings were not carrying their PAL. The other victim was not from the University, and therefore, was also not carrying a PAL. Had they been carrying their PALs, the situation might have been much different. Only one of the students who had their PAL was actually able to use it. However, he was not on campus, therefore, his cry for help was not able to run through the system. Police were only able to find him after the mugging had already occurred.
In order to prevent things like this from happening again, Vournelis gives some safety precautions. Number one would be to stay on campus. The PAL system does not work off campus. Pressing it will not notify campus police unless you remain within the specified areas. Therefore, it is very important to stay on campus where police will be able to reach you if you are in trouble. She also notes that it is imperative to always keep your PAL where you can reach it. Leaving it in your dorm room will not help you.
“I was shocked [to learn the victims left their PAL’s at home]. Why are we giving them to you?” questioned Vournelis.
She also warns students against walking into unlit areas at late hours. Staying in well lit areas will keep you safe.
Vournelis also advises, “When you get a gut feeling that something is wrong, a lot of people will ignore that feeling. Go with that feeling and take precautions at that point.”
For those without a PAL, you are not out of luck. A whistle is also a good alternative to the campus safety system. Blowing a whistle will most certainly bring attention to a criminal. Many Boston area colleges passed out whistles during their first week of school to keep students safe. Vournelis stated that the campuses in this area were very impressed with the security at the University of Bridgeport. This should be all the more reason to take advantage of it.
If you still don’t feel safe, even with the whistle, police escorts are also at your service. They will walk you as far as the perimeter of campus if you feel insecure walking alone.
Vournelis informs that the escorts are always available and “even if you have to wait 15 minutes for an escort to come, isn’t it worth it?