Students and University community members got their questions and concerns addressed Wednesday by a panel of local law enforcement and University officials.
LSUPD Capt. Ricky Adams, Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Pat Englade, Chancellor Mark Emmert and Student Government President Darrell Broussard were members of the panel who answered questions.
One audience member voiced a concern about the lack of available Rape Aggression Defense classes.
She said she was on a waiting list for a waiting list for a possible RAD class. She asked if there was a way for the University to provide more classes.
Adams said there is a lack of adequate teachers, and there used to be a lack of interest.
Emmert said he was unaware of the waiting list, but he assured the student the University will eliminate the waiting list.
RAD classes are offered through the Wellness Center. The basic class teaches personal self-defense, while the advanced classes teach weapons defense.
A large concern for community members has been police patrols within communities and around campus.
Englade said there are a lot of operations going on in and around the University area.
“We are working in total cooperation with the LSU community,” Englade said. “There are more police officers in Baton Rouge than there have ever been. I can’t be any more specific than that.”
Englade said there was no forced entry into any of the serial killer victims’ homes. Though they do not know how the offender gets into homes, he said people must start locking doors and windows.
He also said the police department would be willing to teach the community at personal requests how to take extra precautions.
Adams said one way to protect yourself is to be involved and get active in the community.
He said LSUPD offers a dorm watch, which resembles a neighborhood watch. Englade said BRPD also offers neighborhood watch services. Those interested in dorm watches can contact Mark Shaw at 578-3231, and for neighborhood watch, contact BRPD Sgt. Charlie Armstrong at 389-3802.
Adams said LSUPD is putting on 10 to 12 safety seminars for students about precautions they can take.
In reference to the serial killer investigation, Englade said the Multi-Agency Homicide Task Force is reaching out to every source available nationally and internationally for help.
He said there are a number of people around the country who want to get involved, but the task force must keep some of the information confidential and with those they can trust.
In a press conference March 21, the task force said based on information received after canvassing the area around Carrie Yoder’s home, the serial killer may not be white.
There has been speculation the offender’s race can be determined through DNA.
Englade said the task force is doing everything possible to get the details in the case, but he would not elaborate on the specifics of the offender’s DNA.
Though police are releasing information, Englade said it will be the public who catches the serial killer.
Englade and Adams said people must report suspicious activity to the police. He said suspicious activity is anything that makes a person feel uncomfortable.
“Trust your instinct,” Adams said. “Let us be the judge of whether it is right or wrong.”
Emmert said students should engage in a buddy system and be attentive to each other.
Emmert also said the University is rapidly adding more lighting to parking lots.
Broussard asked anyone who notices a lighting problem or security problem to call Facility Services at 578-2327.