SEO: Students discuss campus safety Some Terps prefer their shells University students discuss opinions on campus

safety
Students of the University of Maryland, College Park have grown accustomed to the sound of sirens in the air and UMD Alerts flooding their inboxes. Campus safety is a concern for university officials and students alike but some express more concern than others. Danielle Mangum, a junior sociology major, says she doesnt feel threatened on campus. If she could improve campus security she says she would, add lights, we need more lights. Stephen Pepreh, a junior economics major, agrees. He says living in College Park, but off campus, can be frightening because he walks home on Route 1 at night in the dark. Pepreh says he takes precautions to insure that he is safe, I
Junior Danielle Mangum stays alert when walking alone. Photo by Laura Gonzalez

dont carry valuables when I stay late on campus and I make sure I leave early when I have my laptop. Kacie Ciampoli, a sophomore education major, also dislikes walking on Route 1 at night. When Ciampoli must she travels in a group and leaves money home. She says, I get all the crime alerts sent to my phone but I have no idea how any of that could happen because I never feel unsafe here. Ismail Manejwala, a senior mechanical engineering major, commutes but says he also feels safe on campus. However, he knows his parents are concerned, my little sister goes here now, she is a sophomore, she will be staying on campus and my parents are worried about that, he says.

Emily Cobb, a sophomore government and international business major, has resided on campus for two years. She says that her parents worry about her as well but she is safe: the police are right next to my house and Im right behind Frat Row, and tells her parents that campus is large and she avoids dangerous areas.
Sophomore Emily Cobb feels equally safe on campus and at home. Photo by Laura Gonzalez

What can you do?

University police advise students to keep out of harms way.

Public Information Officer, Sgt. Aaron Davis, is in charge of media relations for the police and he recommends waking in groups, staying on lit paths, and being conscious of your surroundings. Students should be familiar with their resources. Sergeant Davis says students can dial #3333 from most cellphones and receive emergency assistance or officer-escort service 24/7. On campus, there are more than 300 Blue Light Emergency Phones; endangered students are only a button away from help, according to University police. An email statement issued by Police Chief David B. Mitchell assures students that officers are doing everything they can: we are here to keep you safe. You can help by taking advantage of the services [provided] and by looking out for one another. Together we can ensure a safe environment for all.