Florala

Issue date: 6/11/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Shannon Wells Rogers Hall adds aesthetic beauty and strength to the university.

UNA has a public safety department that is armed and on duty 24/7, and they are there for security on campus.

David Shields, vice president of student affairs, and public safety have tips for new students coming to UNA.

Shields said that students have to be looking around for things that seem odd. "If we are vigilant, report things and watch out for each other, we can catch people who are doing things that they shouldn't to try and prevent things."

"Make sure that your phone has 911 and Public Safety's number programmed into it," Shields said. "Have your phone out while you are walking.

"Don't walk alone at night. Students are at less of a risk when they are walking in a group.

"Don't wear dark clothing at night. This way you can avoid being hit by a car."

"Theft is an ongoing serious problem," said Chief James Glasso, of Public Safety.

Glasso said that the majority of the thefts take place in the GUC and in Collier Library. These thefts happen when people leave their things sitting places when they get up to get food or go to the restroom.

"If you get up to go to the bathroom, you need to take your things with you," Glasso said. "Don't count on anyone else watching your stuff."

"Most of our crime is crime of opportunity," Shields said. "Students are usually in groups, but no one stays at the table.

"Being a campus-centered department, we have a protection role and a service role," Shields said. "The service role is the biggest part of what we do."

At UNA, like at most colleges, there's a parking problem.

"Since Public Safety came to Student Affairs, parking has been the most asked-about issue," Shields said. "Parking is a universal problem with universities around the country."

Shields said that an advantage UNA students have over other universities is that UNA students have very few restrictions: freshmen can have cars on campus, lots are open late at night and students aren't restricted to certain lots. One of the disadvantages of having open parking lots that are open to faculty and students is that students park in the faculty spots and faculty in student's spots.

"Certain lots get high concentration in the morning and are not available late in the day," Shields said. "Part of finding a good parking spot is getting here early."

Shields said that there's always parking, but sometimes you just have to walk farther than others.

Shields said that students living on campus or off campus should get renters insurance. This way if someone steals something from you, you will be covered.

Shields said that students should engrave their initials on important items like laptops, bikes, etc. This makes the items easier to find and less appealing to sell.

Shields said that students should also go to sessions about safety on campus. If you live in residence halls, you have meetings and you should go to them.

"Public Safety can't be everywhere at all times," Shields said.

Shields said that people watching for unusual things is a big help to public safety. He said that there's nothing like having 7,000 eyes watching for stange activites.

If you have any questions, contact Public Safety at 765-4357 or Student Affairs at 765-4223.

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