SUPD to crack down on seat belt laws ‘on-campus’

In the wake of implementing new parking strategies and stricter security procedures during football games, Southern University Police Department officials have decided to implement additional safety measures, on and off campus, in the coming weeks.
SUPD said they will begin enforcing stricter seat belt policies in an effort to promote safety among the students of the SU community.
“We are giving the students a warning out of courtesy because state law requires everyone to wear seat belts,” said Joycelyn Johnson, SUPD community-policing coordinator, who has been on the force for eight years. Johnson said the police department has been promoting safety for years and have frequently noticed that students fail to wear their seat belts when driving around campus.
SUPD began community policing under the watch of former police chief Dale Flowers. Johnson said with new police chief Mike Morris, she feels the campus has the additional support it needs to keep the students and campus safe.
Besides seat belt enforcement, the department is also encouraging drivers to provide the appropriate car seating for children and infants as well.
From November 17 through 30, SUPD will issue seat belt enforcement and child restraint citations on campus to drivers who refuse to adhere to the state mandated laws.
Johnson said the citations will not only be campus citations, but parish citations as well.
“This is to ensure the driver, passenger and children riding in a moving vehicle will be safe,” Johnson said.
Officials with SUPD said they will go the extra distance to provide safety to the SU community by providing car seats and booster seats for children and parents who are less fortunate than others.
“Many single parents cannot afford the appropriate seating for their children and SU police department is providing that service,” Johnson said. “We have over 100 car seats to give out to those who need them.”
SUPD is not only donating car seats, but also taking the initiative to teach parents and the students about safety.
“If the parents are not knowledgeable (with) installing a car seat or provid(ing) the appropriate seating for their child, we will even assist (with) installing the car seat for them and show them different options to secure their child safely,” Johnson said.
Johnson said SUPD has posted their safety tips and suggestions throughout the dormitory residence halls on campus for any student to review.
“If students are not aware of the crimes on campus and tips they can use to protect themselves, I challenge you to attend the safety presentations,” Johnson said.
The next upcoming safety presentation will be October 24 in Boley Hall. For additional information on attendance and other inquires call (225) 771-2770.