Campus Safety Update

The Southern University Campus Police Department recently sent out an update to their October 1, 2014 Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, including the latest information regarding campus safety initiatives and statistics. The most drastic of these changes will be the new interactive smartphone app that will allow students and staff to anonymously report crimes via text message or video.
The app will also contain the Southern University Code of Conduct and be able to provide the locations of the JagTrain and evening shuttle. Plans are, currently, to release the app at some point within the next two weeks. SUPD would also like students to create the logo for the app, along with the name and colors. The department is currently working with the Student Government Association in order to notify students of this.
“We know that students prefer the phone versus call boxes,” Chief of Police Joycelyn Johnson stated. “We’re trying to move into the new technological era.”
However, students preference to their cellular devices will not make call boxes obsolete.
“We understand that call boxes aren’t always around,” explained Assistant to Chief of Police Kevin Johnson. “But we’ve actually placed an order for eight more call boxes.”
Another helpful feature of the app will be geo-fencing emergency calls. Currently, any on-campus 911 call is directed to the East Baton Rouge Police Department, who then notifies campus police. Those who download the new app will have their call redirected to SUPD immediately, cutting out the middleman. This will save time, and potentially lives.
The pair also plans on implementing changes to on-campus transportation, in order to better benefit students on campus after dark.
“The current evening shuttle runs more like a cab than a bus system,” said Kevin Johnson. The plan to resolve this involves giving the shuttle a set route along with a means of tracking the vehicle for students with the new app.
Another safety initiative SUPD will be working toward improving is the “Walk, Talk and Respond” program. While the initiative is supposed to involve officers on foot in residential areas during the evening, speaking with students and addressing concerns, none have been available so far this semester.
“The officers work on schedules, and the difficult part when it comes to this is finding available officers,” Joycelyn Johnson explained. “Also, if there are events occurring on campus, officers have to be assigned to that as well.” she finished.
With new techonology and initiatives, SUPD is working toward a safer Southern.