Students making a trip to Chic-Fil-A to spend the last few dollars of their jagcash may have noticed a huge blue emergency tower. Students may assume that these towers were established in order to make it easier to report danger or be a nice night light for campus. Although, these assumptions are not far from their purpose, there is much more to the towers than there blue light. In order to gain more knowledge of these new towers, I spoke with the Chief of Police, Ms. Joycelyn Johnson.
“The purpose of the blue lights is to give students another outlet, because all the time you won’t be able to use your phone. If something is going on and they want to report it, just walk up to that box and report it. Somebody on this end will be able to ask what’s your emergency. They will even have a camera on some of them so you can talk and see who you’re talking to. That is to assist with our security measures. Every location that you see one now, that’s where we had a pull station. Phase two will have more added to the housing area, around Mayberry, and the Law School. Right now, it’s high foot traffic areas”, explained Johnson.
Does the implementation of these new towers reflect on the students overall feelings of safety? I spoke with freshman Erin Jones of Baton Rouge, majoring in psychology and freshman Kalen Antoine of Lake Charles, majoring in electrical engineering to find out their thoughts.
“I feel like the towers could definitely prove themselves useful, especially during events on campus and games or tailgating. Security is always the biggest issue, knowing who is on campus and what they have in their possession as well is a big issue. A couple of towers on campus can’t stop a bomb threat or a shooter”, explained Jones.
“I think they’re a good addition to the campus security. Seeing them gives me a sense of security. The school could improve safety by keeping the towers checked and well lit, adding more cameras in hidden areas, and offering a safety escort or shuttle service at night especially for female students or anyone walking alone. They could also make sure everyone knows how and where to use the towers”, explained Antoine.
The establishment of the towers are a great step for the overall safety on campus. Providing both a clear contact to the police department but also a light during the night. Any questions regarding the use of the towers can be answered by visiting the Southern University Police Department facebook page.
