The LSU lakes can be a soothing place for walking, running, biking or simply enjoying nature, but some students wonder if the lakes are safe. 
LSU Chief of Police Bart Thompson said one of LSUPD’s most frequent complaints from students is about suspicious people around the lakes. 
“We encourage anyone walking the lakes to call if they see anything out of the ordinary or suspicious to have police check on it,” Thompson said.
Finance junior Kiran Ahluwalia has been running the lakes about five times a week since her freshman year. She said she’s never felt threatened around the lakes. 
“I am a very anxious person, so running helps that,” Ahluwalia said. “As long as you don’t go at 7 p.m. or later, I would say you’re fine.”
Ahluwalia said she doesn’t run around the lakes at night, especially if she’s alone.
Elementary education sophomore Shannon Hebert has been running the lakes about three times every week since her first year at the University. Hebert recalled an instance last fall when she was running by herself in the middle of the day in the neighborhood area of the lakes. An older man passing her in his car caught her eye, according to Hebert.
“I get nervous running by myself, so I’m always turning around and looking,” Hebert said. “He passed from behind me, so I could see him staring at me through his rearview mirror.”
Hebert kept running until the man turned around to pass by her again, this time taking off his sunglasses to look at her.
“He really slowed down, so I freaked out and started walking,” Hebert said. “I started calling my sister while she was in class, and this whole time he’s following me in his car.”
Hebert said the man passed her three more times that day. She tried to get out of the neighborhood as fast as she could, when the man suddenly pulled in front of her and parked in a parking lot by one of the lake’s parks.
“It just so happened a mom and her daughter were walking the lakes, so I started bawling and sprinted to them,” Hebert said. “I told them the man was following me, and by that time, he had sped off and left.”
When asked what LSUPD could do to combat similar situations as what Hebert experienced that day, Hebert said she would like to see more police patrolling the entire lake, even during the day time.
“I’ve never seen police driving around the lakes,” Hebert said. “When you’re back in those neighborhoods, it does get sketchy if no one’s near you.”
Thompson said he encourages people to walk with a group or a buddy.
“Always be alert and aware of your surroundings,” Thompson said, “Also, utilize the LSU Shield App, which has a safety check function where users can enter a time duration for an activity, such as walking the lakes. If the Safety Check countdown ends and the person hasn’t deactivated it, a text will be sent to emergency contacts.”
Students are encouraged to report any suspicious activity around the lakes to LSUPD through the LSU Shield App or by calling LSUPD at 225-578-3231.