Concerned students met with the University's Security and General Safety Committee as well as representatives of the University and Charlottesville police departments yesterday to discuss safety issues affecting the University.
Crime near the Corner, student awareness of safety issues and the railroad tracks near Virginia Avenue were the main issues discussed at the forum last night that was sponsored by the Safety and Wellness Committee of Student Council, according to co-chair John Nelson.
The goal was to "provide an opportunity for Charlottesville Police, University Police, students and administrators to discuss issues of student safety together," Nelson added.
Responsible self-awareness was a major theme presented by the officers and administrators, who urged students to be more alert and conscious of their surroundings. Proper awareness includes knowing that the "use of iPods and cell phones creates pedestrian problems," and that when students live further away from the University, the responsibility for safety shifts.
"Students need to become active and aware citizens", said Mark Fletcher, chair of the Security and General Safety Committee.
Many students expressed curiosity about the possibility of building pedestrian bridges across the railroad tracks near Virginia Avenue and 15th Street.
Sgt. Richard Hudson of the Charlottesville Police said there are no plans for such a bridge because it would be built on railroad property.
When one student expressed further concern about the potential for student-train collisions, Hudson responded by saying, "Trains don't hit people; thieves do."
The threat of crime near the train tracks has been visible in recent weeks with numerous reports of armed robbery.
"Stay off the tracks," University Police Lieut. Melissa Fielding urged students. "You could be charged with trespassing, and that is a pretty isolated area. A lot of incidences occur there."
Students have a higher chance of avoiding serious crime when they avoid such areas because it lowers the risk of encounter, noted Charlottesville police officer Kyle Boynton, a former University student.
"Crime occurs when there is motive, means and opportunity," Boynton said. "Avoiding sketchy areas like the railroad tracks" diminishes opportunity for criminal contact.
Nelson said he was satisfied with the forum's turnout and felt that the police and administrators had offered helpful information, adding that the gathering was the "start of a continued dialogue needed to adequately improve student safety around Grounds"
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