As the University community comes to terms with the fourth of five known serial killings in the Baton Rouge area, measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff have high priority and urgency for University officials.
LSUPD Capt. Shaw said officers ride around the clock with a minimum of three cars on duty at all times.
Shaw said the department plans to add two hours to patrol officers’ shifts.
“We’re starting saturation patrols so we’ll have a more visible presence,” Shaw said. “Anybody working has two more hours making 18 hours extra of patrolling.”
He said although officers are ready to work more hours now, the extra time will have to drop off at some point.
“We can’t do this forever,” Shaw said. “We have to get back to a mode of normalcy at some point because we have to give the officers time off eventually to shower and sleep.”
Shaw said the increase in patrol shifts is a common response to a crisis situation.
“It’s something the public expects,” he said.
Female students at the University can take matters into their own hands by participating in self-defense classes given by LSUPD and Wellness Education and Outreach Services.
Kathy Saichuk, Student Health Center coordinator, said Rape Aggression Defense class for next week is already full. However, students can call the Health Center to be on the waiting list for a future class.
“If enough people sign up for more classes, we’ll make another one,” Saichuk said. “If people are willing to come on a weekend, we can set that up. It’s hard to do these at night because a lot of people don’t want to be out.”
She said the class offers University women training in self-defense with actual simulations of attack-type situations.
“We try to make it as realistic as possible, but safe,” Saichuk said. “It’s a controlled simulation.”
Saichuk said the class offers a lifetime membership for $25, giving students the option to take refresher courses at any time.
Gary Graham, Parking, Traffic and Transportation director, said the officers have increased the availability of Campus Transit and given drivers new guidelines for picking up students.
“We expanded the time until 2 a.m. last semester, and we’re asking that they wait longer at buildings when they pick up because some people are hesitant to wait outside.”
Graham said he is working with traffic officials as well to have more officers out walking the parking lots at night.
Chancellor Mark Emmert said the University is working to have more security around campus, such as new lighting policies, state patrol working overtime and additional cameras on buildings.
The University also wants to increase funding for shuttle buses and add lights to call boxes around campus.
“We want to provide everyone with confidence and let them know the University is involved,” Emmert said.
Emmert: University involved in safety plan
March 20, 2003