TIGERTV ONLINE REPORTER
The 2009 Annual Security Report showed rising a trend in drug arrests and a falling trend in burglary for the last three years.
LSU Police Department speaks with Residential Assistants, Residential Life Coordinators and students to get input about safety policies and encourage them to call about any suspicious behavior. These tactics have resulted in more calls to LSUPD.
“As we’ve responded to more problems in the dorms it could’ve led to more drug arrests,” Major Helen Haire of LSUPD said. “The most effective thing to do is to get the word out…we need to stop that.”
The Department gives talks around campus about protecting safety and property to students but also to faculty and staff. The increased education has decreased burglaries over the last few years.
“The talks have had a big impact,” Haire said. “People are more aware and make sure to secure their property.”
LSUPD has also hired a few more officers in the last couple of years.
“We’re making sure to keep those positions filled,” Haire said.
LSUPD publishes an annual report that includes three years of campus crime statistics and other campus security policy statements as required by the Campus Security Act. The report provides guidelines about personal safety, emergency resources and safety programs the University offers.
“It gives you everything you could ever want to know about staying safe,” history sophomore Craig Poche said. “It’s [the report] not a bad idea.”
After the 2007 homicides, LSUPD got more requests to educate the University and increase their presence around campus.
“We tried to increase our visibility and have more officers dedicated to go out on calls related to suspicious behavior,” Haire said.
Despite the trends in crime, LSUPD isn’t focusing on one type of crime but strives to decrease all crime numbers across the board. With education materials like safety fliers and emails about game day safety the department tries to minimize potential risks for the LSU community.
“We’re going to hit the things we can and encourage people to do what they can to protect their safety and property,” Haire said.
In the future LSUPD will continue to explore any avenues that can help them become a better police force.
“You never know what the future will bring, especially with technology,” Haire said. “But whether we move forward in technology or personnel we’re not just going to stand still.”
