<p>I saw in the police blotter yesterday that a student was robbed at gunpoint at the intersection of Freret and Lowerline. I believe this is only 3-4 blocks from the campus. Does anyone know if the Tulane University police patrols the perimeter of the university and even a few blocks beyond? Also, how far do the emergency blue light call boxes go beyond the university premises, if at all?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>They do patrol off campus, but I am not sure how far. I think I remember hearing something about 0.5 miles? Whatever it is, I don’t think there are any blue light boxes off campus, at least I don’t remember seeing any the last few times I was there.</p>
<p>It sounds like there is a robber working the area. I think this is the second robbery in the last few weeks. I know they have a decent description of the guy, so I hope they can get him very soon.</p>
<p>Thanks FallenChemist: If I remember correctly, I believe the article said it was two males who had semiautomatic pistols. I realize there is a limit to how far the bluelights can extend, but if there are paths which are more frequent for students, perhaps the Tulane police should consider it. Thanks again.</p>
<p>I also recall that the campus police patrol several blocks around campus, but don’t recall the exact perimeter. I tried to look it up on the Tulane website, but it seems to be acting persnickety right now.</p>
<p>I would wonder if it would be appropriate for Tulane to put blue light call boxes on property that doesnt belong to Tulane (ie city property). What would happen if a non Tulane person used it? Would Tulane police have to handle the situation? Just food for thought.</p>
<p>I think they would have to be NOPD call boxes. If I understand the arrangement between NOPD and TUPD correctly, either force can respond to a call within the Tulane general area. But I think you are correct, jym. Tulane would need to get permission from the city to put a TUPD box on property off campus, and no doubt there would be more prank calls. Of course these days I would hope they are equipped with cameras, so maybe that would discourage misuse.</p>
<p>I did speak to the Tulane PD and they indicated that they are not permitted to have bluelights on non-Tulane property, however they are doing what they can to extend the bluelights to the perimeter of the Tulane property. Additionally, they did mention that they, along with NO PD patrol a few blocks outside of the Tulane property. They increase patrols in the paths where students typically walk the most at night, such as from the Tulane campus to frat house parties. It is good to travel in groups, but if a criminal has a weapon, there is not much a group can do. </p>
<p>They highly encouraged students to utilize Tulane’s Safe Ride Shuttle which operates everyday from 8 pm to 4 am (telephone number 504-314-7233). </p>
<p>Here is an interesting comment that was published in Hullabaloo:</p>
<p>The Tulane University Police Department needs to re-evaluate its Safe Ride system if the purpose of the program is to help keep Tulane students safe. Three students were mugged this week while waiting for the shuttle. Because of this incident, it has become clear that students waiting for a shuttle can be just as susceptible to crime as students walking from place to place. Students feel that unless they wait outside for the shuttle, Safe Ride will not stop for them. The advantages of Safe Ride, however, are considerably diminished if students feel obligated to wait outside for the bus in an environment that is potentially unsafe.</p>
<p>Safe Ride should implement a reliable call-back policy for shuttle users. Though TUPD has said that they would implement a call-back system, it does not yet seem to be in place. Furthermore, even if it is in place, students do not know about it and will continue to wait outside because TUPD has not publicized the system’s implementation. Student safety would be greatly improved if they could safely wait inside for the ride.</p>
<p>Though this may make for slightly slower response times, we believe the extra wait is worth it if it keeps students safe. Additionally, the problem of the extra wait time would be quickly solved by the addition of more Safe Ride shuttles. While this investment is a long-term consideration, there is certainly enough demand to make the extra shuttles a worthwhile investment.</p>
<p>Safe Ride drivers should also work to actively engage students off campus. One of the students who was a victim in last week’s crime reported that a shuttle drove right past them shortly after they were mugged. This report shows a fundamental weakness in the program. Drivers should stop to check on students that they pass who are walking in dangerous or isolated areas, regardless of whether or not they called for a ride. The extra effort would be worth it if the changes make even a small impact on student safety.</p>
<p>By now, most students are familiar with the crime prevention tips at the bottom of every TUPD email. Unfortunately, it appears that old safety standbys reiterated in these messages, such as traveling in groups and remaining sober, are no longer effective in preventing crime. The victims of this week’s crime were a group of sober males waiting to be picked up by the safe ride shuttle - following TUPD’s safety tips to the letter. The Hullabaloo acknowledges that TUPD often goes the extra mile to protect students from crime both on and off campus. The status quo, however, is no longer adequate. New Orleans can be a dangerous city, and security on campus should be a major priority and major investment. A few tweaks to present policy could go a long way in keeping us safe.</p>
<p>I have had a serious problem with Safe Ride this semester. There have been multiple occasions in the past few weeks where I have called and waited over 45 minutes. One time specifically when I was waiting for Safe Ride, I was waiting 30 minutes and felt extremely unsafe. I called Safe Ride again to ask why I hadn’t gotten a shuttle and that I felt very unsafe, the operator replied that I wasn’t patient enough. A few minutes later, a Safe Ride bus drove right past me as I frantically waved my arms at it, while the driver just motioned for me to get out of the way and drove off. I personally know a lot of people that have been walking through not-so-great areas just to get home because Safe Ride takes so long. I’m not sure what their problem is this semester, but in the past 3 years, this is the first time I’ve had a problem with it.</p>
<p>Time for a strongly worded letter to the editor of the Hulabaloo?</p>
<p>I would take any and all action needed to address this issue. Safe Ride is an important and valuable service, at least when it is operating properly. I would start with whomever is in charge of that program and, if they cannot give you a response that indicates they are fixing the problem which satisfies you, go to the Dean of Students and see what steps you can take. There is no excuse for this program to not be operating at 100%.</p>
<p>The Tulane Police Chief is very cooperative and open to speaking with parents and students. I would suggest calling the Tulane PD and making them aware of this situation. I have already done so and she was extremely nice. At parents weekend, I would also suggest we make the Dean of Student Affairs aware of it. I am sure if the right people are aware of the situation, they will do the best they can to rectify it.</p>
<p>Has anyone spoken directly to President Cowen about this? He makes student safety a priority.</p>
<p>I did send in a question for his Q & A at his session on Friday. Hopefully he chooses this as a question to answer. I basically said that I was extremely pleased with my son’s first 7 weeks at Tulane, however, I was concerned about two students being mugged within a few blocks of the campus at gunpoint. I indicated that in the post-Katrina era, the students of New Orleans (Loyola students, as well) have embraced the City. We need to ensure that the City and the NOPD is embracing our students and ensuring they are safe in the surrounding areas of the campus.</p>
<p>Great, Tyler! Let us know if he responds and what he says!</p>
<p>Based upon when I land tomorrow, I may be late for the President’s session. Therefore, perhaps someone else can also see if the question is responded to.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Slightly off topic, but here goes: Less than 2 weeks ago we bought our S a used Cannondale Mtn Bike from Plan B bikes (a great place, Google it!) and also got him a top brand u-lock with a thick cable. He left his bike locked outside the library overnight last night only to discover this morning that the cable had been cut. Fortunately, the villain did not get through the u-lock, so the bike (which is neither bright nor shiny and definitely looks old and well-used) survived. Wow! Only 12 days on a bike lock?</p>