DPS to improve safety

Police Chief Greg O'Dell

Eastern Michigan University’s Department of Public Safety, which came under the direction of Police Chief Greg O’Dell in February, is continuing efforts to improve safety and security on campus.

Efforts being taken by DPS this year include: increased visibility, increased police foot patrols, continuation of the private security service hired by the university last year, and continuation of the emergency text messaging alert system.

O’Dell said he is puzzled by the campus’s apparent lack of interest in signing up for the emergency text messaging alert system. As of Wednesday morning, 3,957 of the approximately 24,000 eligible people had signed up for the system.

“It is critical for people to sign up for this system,” O’Dell said. He emphasized that the only times students will receive text messages through the system are during life-endangering situations on campus, if classes are cancelled, or as part of a once per semester test of the system.

Thefts continue to be an ongoing problem on campus. O’Dell said the most important thing students, faculty and staff can do to protect themselves from thieves is to lock their doors, as most thefts on campus occur due to unlocked residence hall rooms and unattended items.

“These are not situations where people are kicking in doors or prying locks,” O’Dell said.

As part of an effort to deter theft of laptops and other valuable items, DPS is planning to sell identifying “STOP” tags that stick permanently to laptops or other valuable items.

The tags, which cost ten dollars each, will be available at lobby tables on the first floor of the EMU Student Center on September 5 from noon until 1:30 pm; September 9 from 2 pm until 3 pm; September 10 from 9:30 am until 11 am and September 15 from 3 pm until 4:30 pm.

In an effort to improve communication, O’Dell has begun a blog called The Chief’s Briefing on the DPS website to help keep the campus informed on what is happening on and around campus.

Student reaction to DPS’ improvements has been mostly positive.

Anthony Alvarado, a student who graduated from EMU with a bachelor’s degree, said the safety situation seems to be worse than when he started his career at EMU. However, he said the increased police presence makes him feel safe.

“When I drive around you see tons of cop cars,” Alvarado said.

Incoming freshman Abby Cole said she felt nervous coming to campus because of the media attention Eastern has received. However, she says the extra safety precautions make her feel safe.

“I was nervous because of the [Laura Dickinson] murder when I heard about it, but once I went to Fusion [orientation] and I found out that there was the SEEUS program, it made me feel a lot better about it,” Cole said.