Emergency call boxes a success

By Allyson Arnold
Staff Writer

The emergency call boxes installed on campus last semester have been a success for everyone at Georgia College & State University.
The boxes were put up by GC&SU Public Safety to help protect students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Last year Public Safety made a proposal to install the Safety boxes. Presentations were made to both faculty, staff and students insuring the community of the need for the emergency boxes. This univeristy was one of many who needed the extra security mesures to ensure studnet’s saftey.
Less than a year later, there are a total of sixteen boxes on and around campus. Two have been taken down because of the library construction, but they are going to be relocated.
“One possible place that might be a good location is near the post office and MSU. Students go there to check there mail at night and this would make them more comfortable,” Ken Vance, director of public safety, said.
The call boxes have been very successful as far as call response times.
“I think that the boxes are a great idea because I enjoy running around campus a lot, and they make me feel a lot safer,” Rebecca Young, a junior, said.
Each box cost $3,500 dollars and they are checked by public safety at least once a week. So, is it worth it all? Vance states that it is.
“These things are a Godsend. Even if they are not used everyday, the one time they are needed makes it all worth it,” Vance said.
Students with late classes said the boxes are a comfort in case of an emergency.
“I have a night class on Wednesday nights and when I come out from class it is dark,” Katy Teck, a junior, said. “The emergency boxes make me feel safer walking to my car at night.”
Anyone who feels threatened while on or around campus can just push the button and within a matter of seconds, be connected to public safety.
There have already been at least 4 or 5 arrests by public safety officers for people who falsely push the button just for fun, Vance said. Anyone truly in need will get assistance.
“We are here to protect everyone. It is our job and my passion,” Vance said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 15 2002. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry