Thursday, March 01, 2007

University Senate+University Community+Safety Forum=No Solution!

I did not attended the forum on security concerns at UMD yesterday. To tell you the truth I would have easily gave out a idea, since they keep saying the same old security complaints.
Student Government Association President Emma Simson said more blue lights should be placed in parking lots, though she acknowledged that lots are well-lit. Currently, blue lights are only placed on the lots' perimeters.

A library system staff member voiced concerns for students' safety when they leave late night study sessions in McKeldin Library.

Another topic raised was the common complaint that when calling 911 on the campus from a cell phone, callers are often directed to an incorrect police department. In response, University Police Chief Ken Krouse said that when on the campus, students should call the police directly at (301)405-3333 rather than dialing 911.
I know a good solution, make the University Police out of their cars and do their patrols on foot. It's not a silver bullet, but it would help a lot. I also like the idea in the article of making a clearer pathway to the College Park Metro station.
In an effort to make the walk from College Park Metro Station safer, police also discussed a plan to create a clear walkway from the station to the campus. Krouse said the current path will be cleared of trees and bushes so that criminals can't hide in them to rob pedestrians.

Krouse said he doesn't know when the path will be completed.
Shameful, I may need to find out about that path for myself.

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