Variousresearches on college women indicate more than 50 percent of the femalepopulation is in danger of being assaulted, raped or killed, due to unsafebehaviors.
In an effort toprotect female students from such instances, the Southern University PoliceDepartment encourages the use of various safety tips while on and offcampus.
According tothe SUPD, women should not accept rides from someone they just met and shouldalways travel in groups.
Women shouldalso designate a chaperone who agrees to accept responsibility and remain soberand drug free, for the safety of the group for the evening.
SergeantCharlene Anderson added that women should always keep a current identificationcard handy.
“SouthernUniversity is an open campus and anybody can come up here and if someone needsto know who you are, you can be identified,” Anderson said.
Female studentsshould believe in their right to express their feelings and learn to beassertive and honest. Females should trust their instincts; look for variouswarning signals and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
While indormitories, women should remember to close blinds, windows and doors andremove all objects used to prop doors open at night.
“Often whilepatrolling, we see cans and rocks propping the doors open,” Anderson said.”That is not safe. Sometimes we’ll close doors five or six times a night. Whendoors are left open, strangers have access to the buildings.”
Women shouldnever disclose personal information to callers, especially information thatthey are alone.
When walkingalone, students are encouraged to use the campus shuttle, which is availableMonday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The number for the shuttle is (225)771-6222.
Some studentsdid not know there is campus shuttle available and now plan to you use it.
“I think theshuttle is a good idea and I plan on using it because when I get out of classit is dark,” said Eboni Searcy, a junior mass communication major from BatonRouge.
The SouthernUniversity Police Department is making strides to make females feel safe oncampus and because of their actions many female students feel safe.
“I feel safe dueto the security measures, such as patrols that I have seen while walking backto my room after class at night,” said Candace Jackson, a graduating senior inmass communication from Shreveport.
For more safetytips students can pick up pamphlets and brochures at the Southern UniversityPolice Department or call (225) 771-2770.
