With the summer semester now in full swing, many students are utilizing Salt Lake Community College’s numerous resources for reaching their degrees, including evening classes.
Taking evening classes gives busy students the chance to balance their work, family and school schedules. But night school may give some students and faculty some uneasiness as they travel across SLCC’s open campuses in the dark.
With so many students opting for evening classes, the school’s Public Safety Department wants to make campuses as safe as possible.
Recently, all SLCC campus locations have increased their campus security officers — armed and unarmed — through funding. By doing this, it increases general safety awareness for faculty and students.
The priority of campus security escalated after recent attacks at the University of Utah. The tragic events caused many colleges to take a second look at their campus security.
Shane Crabtree, the director of public safety at SLCC, hopes that this increase in security throughout campuses will help students be more at ease.
Not only do campus security officers offer student safety, but they can also assist with other issues one might come across during campus hours.
“We also provide not only protection, but vehicle escorts, jump starts, and car keys locked in vehicles,” Crabtree says.
SLCC believes in “see something say something,” a motto that encourages students to come forward with any concerns they might have about their safety.
“If students feel uncomfortable going to the police, there are other avenues they can take advantage of,” Crabtree says, noting potential resources such as the Dean of Students or the Vice President of Student Services.
Students and faculty can also educate themselves with public safety information provided by the college.
Annual security reports provide data on crime statistics as well as other important safety material. It is meant to increase awareness of crime on campuses and can be a useful tool for those who are taking classes in the evening.
Visit the SLCC Public Safety Department website for more information about campus security services and procedures, as well as contact information for the police agency responsible for a particular campus.
