Campus Police aim to promote safety through awareness
By Natasha Marar
News Editor
September 12, 2007
 Security measures initiated by Campus Community Police and other safety programs at the University reflect a campus that is better equipped to dealing with any emergency.
One of the programs initiated by Campus Police is WorkAlone.
Bob Cowper, Director of Campus Community Police explained, “It’s targeted at staff and graduate students who will be working alone in buildings that are normally closed at night, and for their own safety we suggest that they call us and report where they are and how long they are going to be there.”
As an additional safety measure, an officer will sometimes check up on these individuals while they work, or offer to walk them to their car.
While Cowper maintains that the University of Windsor is as safe as any other campus, he does admit that there are some issues that Campus Community Police continue to face.
Cowper explained, “The biggest crime on campus is theft. Bicycle and laptop theft are some of the things we deal with all the time.”
“Alcohol is a big problem on any campus, ours is no different,” said Cowper, who added, “But alcohol related problems have dropped significantly in the last year.”
The University has put in place different mechanisms to maintain a safer campus.
“The university’s new emergency response plan is in place with the training occurring this fall,” said Cowper. “We now have a comprehensive plan in place for us to deal with any type of emergency.”
A crime deterrent, such as the increasing use of security cameras on campus, is another way the University facilitates safety.
“If you go around to our parking lots, you will see them,” said Cowper. “We used to have big problems with the parking lots under the bridge.”
Cowper also explained that cameras located in areas such as the CAW Student Centre, the University of Windsor Stadium, the residence quad, St. Denis Centre, and The Basement.
“The majority of parking lots and high traffic areas are under surveillance,” assured Cowper.
Emergency phones, which are located throughout campus, are also useful for dealing with security concerns.
WalkSafe, the popular safety program on campus where student volunteers offer other students a walk to their car or homes at night, is an alternative to the security measures taken by Campus Community Police or University administration.
“More and more students are using the program,” remarked Nathan Robbins, WalkSafe Coordinator. “Last year we had a 400 per cent increase over the year before it.”
“Our program is comprised of all volunteers here from 6 p.m. until midnight every night, and from Thursday to Saturday we stay until two in the morning,” explained Robbins.
While the volunteers will pick up students from just about anywhere, Robbins noted, “We do have boundaries that we set up as a guideline, but we walk past them if it’s within a reasonable distance.”
“I think the WalkSafe program is really good, and I hope that people are taking advantage of it,” said biochemistry student, Taryn Matis.
Though Robbins maintained, “People feel more safe on campus because they know there is always somebody walking on campus, and there are phone booths around,” he admitted, “There is definitely a reason to use [WalkSafe].”
“Safety and security is everybody’s business, but it begins with you,” said Cowper.
“The biggest thing for me is education and awareness, and everyone taking responsibility,” stated Cowper.
Proactive measures are also necessary emphasized Cowper. “We encourage everybody to report everything. We would much rather go in and check stuff out and make everyone feels safe and secure than to just brush it off.”
Said Cowper, “We are here to make you feel safe, that’s our job.”
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