2008 Woodie Awards
Miami security requests must be deemed priority
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Editorials
The recent survey conducted on campus safety by the Miami University Police Department (MUPD) illustrates how important Miami University students believe adequate lighting and call boxes are. Campus Crime Alerts continually remind Miami students about the need for more safeguards on campus. Therefore, The Miami Student editorial board agrees with the findings of the survey and believes more lighting, Nighttime Door to Door Vans and call boxes should be added to the campus, both in an effort to increase campus safety and put many students at ease as they walk home at night.
Associated Student Government's (ASG) response to the findings is less than encouraging. It is obvious to all that the sole answer to diminishing crime at Miami is not better lighting, but that does not mean students' concerns are unfounded. And while more lighting, Door to Door Vans and call boxes certainly will not eliminate campus crime overnight, there is no harm in adopting measures that a significant amount of students want to see. Indeed, the results of this survey should not come as a surprise to anyone who has walked the campus and thought briefly about what easy measures could be taken to make this campus more secure. More lighting on campus (with aesthetic qualities) may not cast light into all the dark areas of campus, but it makes it more likely that students will be able to look out for each other. Students have been calling for these security measures for years-and it is time that something is done. When majority of students request a service, it should be taken seriously.
Call boxes are another feature that many college campuses around the country have already put into practice. Miami has only a few call boxes spread around the Oxford campus. Placing more call boxes around ensure that-if needed-an instant and direct line of communication is made between students and university police.
Yet another straightforward proposal is an increase in the number of Nighttime Door to Door vans on Miami's campus.
More vans could drastically cut back on the waiting time during late hours and introduce Miami students to a reliable service they could depend on both for safety from crime and as an alternative to drunk driving.
Ultimately, specific student demand for such sensible solutions to campus safety as this should at least be explored by ASG and the university. It is frustrating to see one or two lights on the Slant Walk constantly burnt out-making the walk home darker and consequently more uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, more lighting or call boxes will not prevent sexual assault or theft but perhaps it will make Miami students more comfortable and alert when they walk home.
And if nothing else, that makes these proposals appealing and a positive first step in increasing campus safety.
Associated Student Government's (ASG) response to the findings is less than encouraging. It is obvious to all that the sole answer to diminishing crime at Miami is not better lighting, but that does not mean students' concerns are unfounded. And while more lighting, Door to Door Vans and call boxes certainly will not eliminate campus crime overnight, there is no harm in adopting measures that a significant amount of students want to see. Indeed, the results of this survey should not come as a surprise to anyone who has walked the campus and thought briefly about what easy measures could be taken to make this campus more secure. More lighting on campus (with aesthetic qualities) may not cast light into all the dark areas of campus, but it makes it more likely that students will be able to look out for each other. Students have been calling for these security measures for years-and it is time that something is done. When majority of students request a service, it should be taken seriously.
Call boxes are another feature that many college campuses around the country have already put into practice. Miami has only a few call boxes spread around the Oxford campus. Placing more call boxes around ensure that-if needed-an instant and direct line of communication is made between students and university police.
Yet another straightforward proposal is an increase in the number of Nighttime Door to Door vans on Miami's campus.
More vans could drastically cut back on the waiting time during late hours and introduce Miami students to a reliable service they could depend on both for safety from crime and as an alternative to drunk driving.
Ultimately, specific student demand for such sensible solutions to campus safety as this should at least be explored by ASG and the university. It is frustrating to see one or two lights on the Slant Walk constantly burnt out-making the walk home darker and consequently more uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, more lighting or call boxes will not prevent sexual assault or theft but perhaps it will make Miami students more comfortable and alert when they walk home.
And if nothing else, that makes these proposals appealing and a positive first step in increasing campus safety.
Be the first to comment on this story