The LSU Police Department has a simple request for students — “If you see something, say something.”
The request is part of a new campaign LSUPD introduced on campus, according to Det. Kevin Scott, LSUPD spokesman.
He said the goal of the campaign is to encourage students to report any suspicious activity they notice on campus.
Scott said planning for the campaign has been in the works since the beginning of the year.
He said he was first introduced to the concept when he and LSUPD Chief of Police Lawrence Rabalais attended a conference on homeland security last year.
“We thought it would be beneficial here,” he said.
Scott said he’s found students are typically distracted when they walk around campus and don’t always notice what’s going on around them, which he would like to change.
“No crime occurs in a split second,” Scott said. “There’s always an unfolding period.”
Scott said he wanted to increase awareness and help people realize when crimes are unfolding in front of them.
Ernie Ballard, director of University Media Relations, said in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille the cost for the campaign has so far totaled $7,521.10.
He said the cost includes printing posters, keychains, magnets and advertisements. He said University representatives are also using free promotional methods like broadcast e-mails and social media.
Linda Martin, who was on campus with her son for spring testing and orientation, said she appreciated the campaign because it made her more comfortable about her son leaving for college.
“It’s important as a parent to know there’s measures being taken to keep your kid safe,” she said.
Martin said she would have liked this kind of initiative when she was a student at the University.
“There was nothing like this,” she said.
Vincent Carnovale, history senior, said he’s happy LSUPD is encouraging people to report crimes because it makes him feel safer on campus.
Carnovale said he often uses the computers on the second floor of Middleton Library and is always nervous to leave his bag there when he goes downstairs to smoke.
He said he hoped someone would stop or report anyone who
tried to steal his belongings.
Carnovale said he would call LSUPD if he noticed any suspicious activity on campus.
Scott said the definition of suspicious activity may be difficult to determine, but he hopes students will use their best judgement.
“Everyone has to answer that for themselves,” he said. “Trust your gut.”
Scott said if a student reports a suspected crime and it turns out to be a false alarm, he or she will not be penalized, but if someone falsely reports a crime on purpose, he or she will face action from the LSUPD.
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]