Is crime an issue at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus? With only a few car lockouts and a couple of trespassers, officer Eric Davies knows that the major consensus is that crime is low.
“With the exception of speeders and theft, we’re a very safe place,” Davies said.
Students and faculty should be more cautious about leaving their personal belongings unattended in large areas. Whether you’re eating at the food court, studying somewhere, or working out at the gym, always keep an eye out for your things. Cell phones, iPods, laptops, and purses are valuable items in the eyes of a thief and can be easily stolen. Be weary of setting these things down for any amount of time. If you’re using the restroom, bring your things into the stall with you, and remember to lock your car doors and conceal any valuables you might have in the trunk or under a seat.
Instructors should also be careful when leaving the rooms after class. Many classrooms are left unlocked and susceptible to robbery.
Bikers should try and switch to a U-bolt lock because the wire cord and chain locks can be cut easily.
Try and be as careful in the parking lots as well. We have a lot of traffic accidents regarding students backing out and racing to get home.
“I hate to give out costly speeding tickets to strapped students, but it’s a lot better than an arrest any day,” said Davies.
Many students also wonder why the Utah Highway Patrol controls SLCC campus security. According to Lt. Jeff Willmore, in 2003 SLCC’s campus security was facing a dilemma. The local city police force had too small a team to cover all of the surrounding campuses, including Taylorsville-Redwood, South City and Meadowbrook. Instead of hiring more police officers for their squad, SLCC simply put up a now hiring sign for various law enforcement agencies. The UHP had the best resume and was the most suitable for the job.
Just recently in 2009, SLCC renewed its contract with the UHP for another couple of years.
Willmore said that SLCC has been very tame lately.
“Not a whole lot goes on around here at SLCC, but as soon as you set foot off campus, that’s when things get weird,” Willmore said. The Taylorsville Redwood Campus is composed of eight troopers, two sergeants, a lieutenant, and an office specialist working 20-hour coverage, seven days a week. If you ever have any questions to ask the UHP or any other non-emergency calls, call 801-957-3800.