LSUPD, SG hope for improved safety with cell phone feature
   Whether students feel threatened in the Quad or fear being attacked on campus late at night, LSUPD is now only four digits away.
Student Government began working on “Cell Phone Safety” last year and focused on launching the campus safety project this semester.
Now when students dial #LSU, their cell phone will place a free direct call to the LSU Police Department.
“If you are running from an attacker, you can’t really stop by an unmovable phone,” he said. “It could put you in more danger.”
Using the safety cell phone feature also connects students to the nearest authorities faster than dialing 911. When students dial 911, the call must be directed and sometimes wastes valuable time, said Patrick McCune, SG president.
“It is the biggest thing to happen with campus safety in years,” McCune said.
LSUPD Capt. Mark Shaw agreed with McCune, saying the new cell phone safety feature will help to increase campus safety.
“It’s another campus safety tool, and we are very happy Student Government wants work with us,” said Shaw. “It’s something we are very excited about.”
Most jurisdictions use similar safety features, so LSUPD should adjust to the new technology easily, Shaw said.
However, University students had varying opinions on the new service, and some question whether they would think of pulling out a cell phone during a life-threatening situation.
“If someone had a gun to my head, pulling out a cell phone wouldn’t be my first reaction,” said Neal Rivet, a theatre junior. “But I think it’s a good idea, and I’d definitely use it if I saw someone breaking into a car.”
#LSU generally is a good idea but will probably benefit females more, said Justin Boudreaux, a biochemistry sophomore.
“I think I would feel safer, but I’m not sure why,” said Caroline Dupont, a secondary education sophomore. “I think I like knowing that the response is quicker.”
Though only Sprint PCS customers may use the #LSU services now, McCune expects both Suncom and Cingular Wireless users to gain access this semester.
Suncom already signed a contract with SG and should offer the service by April. Cingular Wireless supports the services, but must settle some number problems before they agree to a contract, McCune said.
Cingular should offer its customers the #LSU feature by mid-February, he said.
McCune said students using services other than Sprint PCS can help SG by calling and pressuring their provider to add the service.
“If your provider is not signed up with us or is still working out some problems, you can help us,” McCune said. “Consumers can help get it done.”