Student Safety, Campus Security Top Concerns at University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas Police want to remind students – and all members of the campus community – of the safety measures that are in place to help protect them – and help them to protect themselves.

“Campus security starts with University Police, but the fact is everyone on campus plays a role in keeping people safe,” said Steve Gahagans, director of the University of Arkansas Police Department . “Facilities management, the various offices in student affairs, the student government – all work together and have programs in place to help make our campus safer. Students, faculty and staff all have individual responsibilities as well to help keep themselves and others out of danger.”

University Police have hired and are in the process of training three additional officers for patrol duty – and a fourth officer will be hired later this fall. This will raise the patrol unit to a total of 24 officers to keep up with the growth of the student population.

University Police patrol on foot, by bicycle and in patrol cars, working from the central station on Razorback Road and a police substation located in Reid Hall.

There are more than 90 emergency/information “e-phones” located across campus that are directly connected to the UAPD’s state-of-the-art communications center. Students are also encouraged to program the UAPD central number, 479-575-2222, into their cell phone speed dial to ensure a fast connection. For those who would rather text than talk, tips or information can be texted to UAPD dispatchers any time at 479-800-0405. 

The University Police communications center now also features an enhanced 9-1-1 emergency service that enables anyone on campus to create a confidential Safety Profile that is provided to dispatchers when an emergency call is made.

“When crossing campus, day or night, it is important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and be alert for anyone approaching you or your vehicle,” said Gahagans. “Whenever possible it is better to go out in groups, or with at least one other person. If you feel in danger, never hesitate to call UAPD for assistance. That’s what we’re here for.”

Campus safety after dark gets extra security attention, and not only from UAPD.

The department of facilities management is responsible for making sure the campus is well lit and that shrubs along the campus sidewalks are kept trimmed. University housing and the Residents’ Interhall Congress work together to conduct several walking tours around the campus during the year, checking on exterior lighting conditions. The results of the tours are shared with University Police, facilities management and university housing. Of course, anyone on campus who notices a malfunctioning light, or an area that needs more lighting, is encouraged to contact facilities management about the problem.

University housing also maintains a wide variety of security measures in and around residence halls and a number of Greek houses. A system of 510 closed circuit television cameras, inside and outside the halls, are deployed and recording at all times. All exterior doors are secure and accessible only to residents and authorized staff, but if a door is left open by mistake, housing staffs a “rover” patrol to correct the problem. In the event of an emergency on campus, residence halls and many Greek houses have voice announcement systems in place to provide immediate notification.

On the level of individual services, University Police supervises the Razorback Patrol Escort Service, staffed by students who qualify for federal work-study awards and are screened by police. The patrol offers security escorts for anyone who does not want to walk across campus alone at night. Razorback Patrol operates from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Security escorts by Razorback Patrol may be requested by phone at 479-575-5000 or by texting 479-249-2188. University Police officers are available as security escorts when Razorback Patrol is off duty.

The UAPD crime prevention office also offers a popular, one-credit hour activity course, “Women’s Self Defense” twice during the fall and spring semesters, taught by police officers trained in the Rape Aggression Defense Systems. The course is listed as PEAC 1901, Special Topics. The office also presents safety programs to campus groups when requested and as part of new student classes.

In addition, the Associated Student Government funds the Safe Ride program through University Transit and Parking. Safe Ride offers students a safe, and free, means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation.

Safe Ride has two main components: the Night Owl Service operates Monday and Tuesday nights, from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and provides service on campus only; the Safe Ride Service operates Wednesday through Saturday nights from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next morning, and provides service from anywhere in the Fayetteville city limits to a student’s residence. Safe Ride can be reached by calling 479-575-SAFE (7233).

Counseling and further safety training are also available through the Pat Walker Health Center.

 “Students and staff having anxiety and needing to speak to someone can contact the counseling and psychological service in the Pat Walker Health Center, at 575-4451,” said Melissa Harwood-Rom, senior associate dean of students. “There are also two groups on campus that can offer assistance -- STAR Central, and RESPECT . These groups are made up of students and staff who are experienced in sexual assault awareness.”

 “The safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university is never taken for granted,” said Gahagans. “Everyone involved in security at the University of Arkansas is always looking for the best ways to make the campus a safer place.”