University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson poses here in this file photo on a University police vehicle.

Univ. stresses safety to all students

By: LIBBA HOLLAND

Posted: 8/9/07

As we go through college, some of us may feel nervous about the dangers of being on our own. In order to combat this anxiety, the University police department has been taking steps to help make the campus safer for students.

The University police will be holding events to promote campus safety, said University Chief of Police Jimmy Williamson.

Similar to previous years, the police officers will work with various student groups - including several different sororities, Safe Campus Now and University Housing - to advise on safety issues.

Before these events get started, though, Williamson said students should check the University police Web site at www.police.uga.edu. It provides information about staying safe on campus.

The "Preventing Crimes" section of the Web site provides tips on what to do in dangerous situations.

The first point discusses alcohol awareness. It explains Blood Alcohol Content and the effects alcohol can have on one's body.

SAFETY TIPS

For Home
- Make sure the management changes locks or permits the tenant to change them when moving in.
- Sliding glass doors should be secured with pins through the frame or have a "charlie bar" locking device.
- Apartments located on the second floor, or higher, are safer. Being on the ground floor makes entry through windows easy. Ground floor windows should be secured with pins through the frame or key lock latches.
- Ask management about the availability of extra keys to your apartment. If there are extra keys, ask how they are secured and who has access to them.
- Ask management if they have a policy against installing intrusion alarms in individual apartments. If not, installation of a simple alarm system might be a good option for additional security at a relatively low expense.

For Vehicle
- Do not leave your keys in your car or leave your car running while unattended, not even for a few seconds.
- Leave doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
- Park in well-lit well-traveled areas.
- Keep valuables and packages out of sight. These may draw the thief's attention to your vehicle.

The Web site also tells about call boxes and escort vans - two of the services on campus that can help a student in need of assistance.

Information about women's safety and date rape drugs is also included on the site. It provides examples of precautions women are advised to take when going out in Athens.

With the high number of students who walk around campus, the police department has decided it is necessary to give tips for pedestrian and railroad safety.

The Web site also has information which may help ease any anxiety about living in Athens, such as on and off-campus housing safety tips and information about weapons and vehicle theft.

Although the University is trying to prevent dangerous situations on campus, the possibility of crime is always present.

"One thing that I want students to know is that crime can happen to anyone," Williamson said. "Everyone can be a victim. It just depends on what you do in a dangerous situation."

Williamson advised students to take precautions when walking at night. He said always try to walk with someone or remain in a public or lighted area.

With Williamson's safety tips and the police department's upcoming events, the University is trying to educate students and make Athens a safer place.

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