Safety on any major college campus is a top priority. Parents and students alike want to know that they are in a safe environment. Winston-Salem?State police have full arrest capabilities, just like a Winston-Salem police officer. Police patrolling campus is a regular occurrence. There are emergency towers throughout campus wherein students can push a button and get immediate help.
Granted, a commuter student may have a different perspective than a student who lives on campus, since a commuter’s time on campus is usually limited to going to and from class.
At WSSU, there haven’t been too many reports of major incidents taking place on campus. Recently, there were reports of a robbery attempt of a student outside of the library. That’s not to say that one robbery – or in this case an attempted robbery – isn’t important, because robbery is a serious crime. The campus police should review their rotations in that particular area and make the necessary adjustments.
WSSU’s campus is safe, though “safe” is a relative term. People should feel as safe on campus as they do when walking through the shopping mall, a park or their own neighborhood.
However, as an extra precaution, students should make sure to walk in groups as much as possible and pay attention to their surroundings when on campus.
Taking those steps would ensure that students are doing their part to make WSSU a safe campus.
A crime can occur at any moment, anywhere. A student, faculty member or administrator should only expect that police officials are doing the best they can; are staying ahead of the curve by constantly reviewing policies and procedures; and that when a situation arises that they handle it swiftly and appropriately.
In the end, that’s all one can reasonably expect on a public campus with no doors or gates.
Larry Williams is a senior mass communications major.