GROWING up in New York City, I learned that even with the largest police force in the country surrounding me, it was still necessary for me to take precautionary measures to ensure my own safety. Right now, we're experiencing the same scenario in Charlottesville. It is ridiculous and idiotic to think that just because we are on a college campus that we are immune from all criminal activity. Only with the combined efforts of the student body as well as the police department can we make Grounds a safer place.
To begin with, I am going to dispel any myths or rumors that the police force on Grounds is too scarce. In New York City, there is about one police officer on the force for every 233 people. Here on Grounds, there is about one University police officer for every 333 students. We must, consider, however, that the entire police department of Charlottesville is also at our disposal, responding to University 911 calls due to a joint emergency dispatcher. Taking into account the corroboration between the two enforcement agencies, there is an officer for every 111 students -- twice as many officers per-capita as in New York City. The fluidity between the two departments is similarly exemplified by the Blue Lights, and pressing the button will dispatch both Charlottesville and University police. Even if the University were to surpass state budget constraints and hire more officers (perhaps to bring down the per-student officer ratio to -- let's say -- three times better than the city of New York) it would take at least three months to train these officers. By then the need for additional officers could be diminished. However, given the current number of policemen, the number of officers is clearly not the problem.
Even with such a large pre-existing force, however, it is impossible for an officer to be with a student at all times, and therefore it becomes the responsibility of the citizenship to take responsibility for themselves and for others. In an interview with The Cavalier Daily, Dean of Students Penny Rue suggested that students not walk around Grounds at night while listening to iPods or talking on the phone. Rue's message is clear: Be responsible, students -- be very responsible. It is common sense to have some kind of guard up while walking alone at night. Regardless of one's surroundings -- be it Harlem or Beverly Hills -- it just makes sense to be aware of one's surroundings at all times, and especially at night. SafeRide is also an option for students who do not feel safe at night and do not wish to walk alone.
In addition to promoting common sense and precaution from students, the University is taking the matter of student safety very seriously. Since the recent spurt of crime that has occurred in the past weeks, the University has not only acknowledged the issue of student safety but has also taken many precautions in order to prevent crime. In an interview, University Police Capt. Michael Coleman informed me that in the area of the mugging and attempted robbery of a University student a few weeks ago, the University Police has coupled with the landscaping department and removed all shrubs and bushes in that area by the Colonnades in order to minimize hiding places for criminals.
The police department has also brought Tim Crowe, an international specialist in crime prevention through environmental design, to highlight other areas around Grounds where the current landscape is conducive towards criminal activity. In one of Crowe's presentations that I attended, layouts similar to those of Old Dorms, New Dorms and Lambeth Field were shown and methods of maximizing safety and traffic control were discussed for each plan.
Coleman said that he would of course love to see crime at the University be eliminated entirely, but he realizes that it must be done within accessible means. Students need to realize that, whatever they might like to think, that we do not live in a microcosm. We live in a public place surrounded by a city. Instead of pointing a finger at the University whenever there is a problem, we should learn to take responsibility for the livelihood and safety of our own community -- especially considering that the University Police Department is doing all in its power to protect students both on Grounds and off. If the administration were in fact turning a blind eye to the problem then there would be cause for concern, but with all of the measures that are currently in place, we should take on a little more responsibility for ourselves and our peers.
Greg Crapanzano is a Cavalier Daily Viewpoint writer.
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