The University Police Department, in an effort to keep students safe, urges campus-goers to take caution in the way they secure their belongings and practice personal safety on- and off-campus.
With Campus Safety Week taking place Tuesday through Thursday, Lt. Allan Baron said students should take care to report crimes on campus.
“Often many people question themselves whether or not they should report certain incidents to the police,” Baron said. “The public should never think you are being a burden by reporting something they are not sure if it should be reported or not.”
While walking alone, students should get loud and be assertive if confronted by a subject that makes them feel uncomfortable.
To deter break-ins, students should make sure to lock doors and windows of both their rooms and cars. After dark, students are encouraged to park in well-lit areas.
Baron said campus safety programs such as CARPOOL and the Corps of Cadets’ escort service help ensure personal safety.
“The Corps of Cadet Escort Service is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during the fall and spring semesters,” Baron said. “CARPOOL provides free, safe and nonjudgmental rides home in the Bryan-College Station area.”
CARPOOL runs Thursday through Saturday and offers a ride to students so that they do not have to drink and drive.
Chelsea Hunt, industrial distribution graduate student and deputy director of public relations for CARPOOL, said although CARPOOL is a designated-driver program, students don’t have to be intoxicated to use the service.
Mary Monday, industrial distribution senior and CARPOOL member, said the organization keeps identities confidential and safe out of concern of safety.
“We’re completely safe — we don’t want to make other people feel uncomfortable,” Monday said. “But usually when we pick someone up they usually feel grateful and they’re really excited that someone is there that can take them home.”
Maria Suarez, international studies junior, said people are starting to recognize A&M’s safety services and know the reasons why A&M succeeds as a friendly and safe campus.
“We pride ourselves on being a friendly campus, people of character and a safe campus,” Suarez said. “These things don’t just happen, students have to actively participate in order for these things to be true.”
Baron said students should be aware that crimes happen, even at A&M.
“Our campus is relatively safe, but is only as safe as our students help us make it,” Baron said. “Our campus is not immune to crime and our community members should always be aware of their personal safety and the security of their property to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”