A safe campus for students

     The pamphlets that are being sent to prospective students show happy students in everyday settings, but there might be some disturbing images that are not being shown.
     Colleges say that the crime rate is lower at universities as compared to major cities. This doesn’t mean the country’s 17 million students are not at risk.
     ABC “Primetime Live” recently reported the latest statistics were more than 35,000 reported crimes on U.S. college campuses in just one year. They are crimes like purse- snatching, car break- ins and shoplifting at the school store. But “Primetime Live” reported more dangerous crimes. Luckily, Campbell hasn’t experienced any of these kinds of crimes.
     “We are a safe campus as compared to most schools,” said Capt. Ricky Symmonds, Director of Campus Safety. “We aren’t downtown; no one really wanders onto campus. We have a good geographic location and a great group of students. The rules and regulations of Campbell really help things stay under control. If you do break the law, you will be charged.”
     Most students feel safe on campus because of security and the security poles they have around campus. The student can push a button on the pole and it connects them to the Dispatch Center that obtains the information and passes it on to either the deputy or security guard working. Both deputies and university guards are on patrol 24 hours a day.
     “I feel very safe,” said junior Rebecca Abrahamson. “I think it’s because of the smallness of the campus and it’s nice to know those safety poles are there just in case.”
     Symmonds explained that Campbell isn’t immune to crime, but there are programs available about personal safety, especially in parking lots.


Photo- Robin Jones is one of the guards who patrols the Campbell campus. (Photo by Shannon Smith)