SAU security offers student escort service
Jade Davis
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: News
Not many St. Ambrose University students realize that the SAU security department offers a free escort service 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The service involves a walking escort from any campus building to another or to any SAU parking lot. This includes all of the houses owned by the university in the surrounding area.
The escort service is run by the security department staff which consists of 5 security officers, 38 students and 5-10 off duty police officers. When students call for a walking escort any of these staff members may respond. Most of the time a two student team of one male and one female will respond. The recent change from 1 escort to 2 escorts is in part because in past years students have complained that they felt uncomfortable being escorted by an officer.
Currently there is not a high demand for this service from SAU students. "It has varied historically but we tend to get more calls at the beginning of each semester," said Robert Christopher, director of security.
"I thought that it was a nice service they offered however, I had a female escort and I'm not to sure how safe I felt; because if we got attacked I'm not sure what the two of us would have done. However it was nice having someone walk to my car with me at midnight," SAU senior Jennifer Cunningham said.
The SAU security department feels that the reason this program works so well is because students who walk in groups are safer than those who walk alone.
"When walking in a group students are less likely to be victimized." Robert said.
While the SAU campus is a relatively safe place it never hurts to be cautious.
"The reality is that crime does happen on campus, even violent crime happens," Robert said.
Many SAU students are still unaware that the security department offers this service even though it has been offered for the last ten years. Students can find further details regarding the escort service in the SAU student hand book. It is also covered at new student orientations.
SAU is also protected by Permar security services. Every night between the hours of eleven and 7 there are security officers stationed at each residence hall.
The escort service is run by the security department staff which consists of 5 security officers, 38 students and 5-10 off duty police officers. When students call for a walking escort any of these staff members may respond. Most of the time a two student team of one male and one female will respond. The recent change from 1 escort to 2 escorts is in part because in past years students have complained that they felt uncomfortable being escorted by an officer.
Currently there is not a high demand for this service from SAU students. "It has varied historically but we tend to get more calls at the beginning of each semester," said Robert Christopher, director of security.
"I thought that it was a nice service they offered however, I had a female escort and I'm not to sure how safe I felt; because if we got attacked I'm not sure what the two of us would have done. However it was nice having someone walk to my car with me at midnight," SAU senior Jennifer Cunningham said.
The SAU security department feels that the reason this program works so well is because students who walk in groups are safer than those who walk alone.
"When walking in a group students are less likely to be victimized." Robert said.
While the SAU campus is a relatively safe place it never hurts to be cautious.
"The reality is that crime does happen on campus, even violent crime happens," Robert said.
Many SAU students are still unaware that the security department offers this service even though it has been offered for the last ten years. Students can find further details regarding the escort service in the SAU student hand book. It is also covered at new student orientations.
SAU is also protected by Permar security services. Every night between the hours of eleven and 7 there are security officers stationed at each residence hall.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Courtney Bailey
posted 3/05/09 @ 10:58 AM CST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Wilma Shakeshaft
posted 3/09/09 @ 5:18 AM CST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Menter Bury
posted 6/20/09 @ 1:21 PM CST
I have read all your article. They good.
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