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In light of recent events, Ablaze met with UTPD public information officer to gather safety tips for students.
After finishing the first quarter of the semester, many students have voiced their worries about campus safety online. In September, an arrest caught students’ attention after a man on the strip was arrested for randomly assaulting two students as reported by WVLT 8. It’s situations like this that cause many students to wonder how they can better stay safe.
While the year has been successful in many areas for UT thus far, it is important to remain cautious and look out for one another. University of Tennessee Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Moore offered insight as to how students can remain vigilant on campus.
- 1.Situational Awareness
To start, an important aspect of campus safety that Moore brought up was situational awareness. Though it is understandable for students to enjoy listening to music or being on their mobile devices on campus, it is important that they are aware of their surroundings.
While taking in their surroundings, one thing to look out for is the blue light boxes located all around campus. These phones can dial 911 and turn into loudspeakers in case of emergency. It is important to be on the cautious side. Students should always be aware of what is happening around them and the environment they are in.
If students feel unsafe somewhere, they should not stay there. Do not hesitate to walk away or call the police if something doesn’t feel right.
“Never stay in an unsafe environment or a place where you are not comfortable,” Moore said.
- Don’t be afraid to call 911
Connecting to that piece of advice, Moore emphasized that students should always call 911 if they feel that themselves or another student are in danger. If students witness anything they find suspicious, they should let someone know immediately. It is crucial to look out for other students, as well as yourself, on campus. Reporting suspicious activity on campus is a helpful measure to minimize potential safety risks on campus.
If a student doesn’t feel comfortable making a phone call to the police department, there is a Safe at UT app that students can utilize to have a Live Chat with UTPD. The app also has a dispatch function, emergency text/call, Friend Walk feature and access to the safety textbook.
For incidents involving sexual misconduct, students can also report to the Title IX office. Another helpful campus resource are UTPD’s Educational Programs, ranging from active shooter response to personal safety, as well as many other safety topics.
- Safety in numbers
When it comes to looking out for each other, Moore said that there is always safety in numbers. It is smart for students to travel in groups and text one another where they are going. Students should be responsible in the choices they make off campus as well, such as a designated driver or ubering. It is never embarrassing or too much for students to check on one another or look out for one another. UT also provides access to multiple T Transit Systems to transport students to and from campus safely.
- Look out for each other
Overall, the most important advice given was for students to look out for another, on and off UT’s campus. Students should care for one another’s safety and well being as members of the same community. No matter how scared or nerve wracking it may be to report an incident or navigate campus alone, there are ways to seek help and care. No student is alone. There are multiple resources and people who are eager to step in and keep students safe.
“By being members of a campus community, we all have a responsibility to work together and provide a safe and inviting place to live,” Moore said.
Everyone should continue to stay aware and knowledgeable as they safely navigate the rest of their semester together.
