By Melissa Martinez
News Editor
As college students, safety on campus is an immediate concern for students, staff and parents. Since the recent shootings in the U.S., students are taught to take extra safety precautions to ensure their well-being, since being a student on any campus creates an immediate vulnerability to potential danger.
With the recent recognition of CSUSM as the safest four-year-university in California by Stateuniversity.com, we may wonder what law enforcement practices to keep our campus safe.
On Nov. 4, 2011, CSUSM experienced a gun scare, prompting the University Police Department to send out emergency notifications consisting of emails, text messages and voice mails promptly alerting students to lock and barricade entrances and exits on campus. Out of the 9,700 students enrolled fall 2011, 4,000 students are signed up for the emergency notification system.
Since then, the University Police Department has taken extra precaution regarding the safety of students.
“I feel very safe at CSUSM. My friends tell me what goes on at other campuses and I’m glad I can focus on my studies without my safety being threatened,” said student Joseph Deragisch.
When visiting the University Police Department’s website at csusm.edu/police/, students will find the vision and mission of UPD, Emergency Management and video information of safety precautions to take when at school or in a workplace. There is a database where members of the community can identify and gain information on registered sex offenders, as provided by Megan’s Law. Students will find information on RAD, information of rape aggression defense, along with their safety tips for date rape drugs and campus safety.
UPD offers an escort service between the hours of dusk and dawn to escort students from campus buildings, parking lots, immediate bus stops and areas adjacent campus property. Along with their escort service, UPD offers defensive driving courses, a critical response unit and ride-along opportunities for students interested in observing the duties and responsibilities experienced by officers.
To utilize these services offered by CSUSM and get information regarding safety on campus, please visit UPD’s website at csusm.edu/police/services.html.