SUPD to make security changes

With the recent death of a Southern University student and another student robbed last weekend, the police department is beefing up security to ensure that these tragedies are not revisited.
According to Police Chief Dale Flowers, the entire campus will have officers working overtime. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the Baton Rouge City Constable’s Office will also be placed throughout the campus to assist with patrolling.
Officers are assigned to every dorm on campus and checkpoints will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers will be stationed at the foot bridge better known as the “ravine” starting at 6 p.m. to ensure safety to all students traveling that way.
An officer in the booth will let students who live on campus and who are traveling to their dormitories past the checkpoint once they stop at the stop sign. However, if a resident of campus has other people in the car with him they will be asked to show their school ID’s before entering. Commuter students and vehicle’s which are not registered will be asked to present their ID to the officer before they are allowed to access the area.
Non students will be asked for their drivers’ license so the individuals can be logged in with their place of destination. If someone refuses to show their license they will not be allowed to enter. The officer who is on duty inside the booth will take the license or ID from the student, register it and give it back along with getting the license plate number.
“This system will help the us to keep better track of who’s going in and out of the area,” said Flowers.
Flowers is advising students to have their license on them at all times especially when preparing to enter the checkpoint.
The officers will also check for expired stickers and any contraband brought onto campus that is visible, such as alcohol and firearms.
“So far it’s working fine. We still have a few kinks to work out at the checkpoint with the long lines, but we ask students to be patient while we improve the situation. We also want you to realize that the security is for the better of the university and all members of the faculty, staff, students and visitors,” said Flowers.
Flowers stated that the SUPD is currently trying to hire more police officers and that he feels the presence of officers around campus is definitely a preventive measure.
“We want to be proactive instead of reactive to crime, meaning we want to stop it before it starts,” added Flowers.
Flowers also mentioned that there are still no leads in the murder case and if anyone has any information they should call crime stoppers at 771-3784.
Anyone who calls can leave anonymous tips on crime stoppers. Callers will be given an identification number to collect a monetary reward if their information leads to the solving of any case.
“I encourage students to use crime stoppers to report any crime on campus they may witness. Students should be able to trust us,” added Flowers.