Shining Light on Student Safety

"Too often students believe that, 'it won't happen to me' or 'that wouldn't happen on our campus' but as seen in the news, it is possible," stated Norma Ross, PSU Admissions Representative.

There are currently 33 blue light emergency towers (special safety telephones) spread out throughout campus. Their use is restricted to emergencies only; such as reporting incidents, suspicious people, or to ask for an immediate police response. 

The blue lights are not to be used to ask for directions, a ride, or to let students into dorms when they forget their keys. As of today, there are 23 safety phones on campus that are operational. 

"Non-functional phones are being removed so that students do not falsely rely on them when concerned for their safety. The University encourages students not to walk alone at night and any student who is out alone to consider using the 'Safe Walk Program.' We have also changed some of the patrol strategies and there are more officers walking the campus, especially at night. We are also exploring other options for students who do not have access to a cell phone," stated UPD Chief, Richard Bailey.

"I think the blue lights are important to have on campus because they add a layer of security that sometimes we forget about as college students. I think that especially when students are touring our school it is important for parents and first year students to know that safeguards are in place in case of an emergency," said Ross.

After doing a research study in multiple classes, Student Body President Kayla Grimes claims, "the blue lights are important to PSU students, we would rather have them there and be safe rather than sorry."

Some students feel if the blue lights get taken away, they should then be replaced with something as a precaution for student safety. This could mean to have more officers patrolling the campus or creating an app for smartphones to keep up with today's technology. 

"Everything is very technical today and the lights seem to lack the piece of technology that our generation thrives on. I think there may be concern as to what would happen in an emergency situation, but I am not sure how many students would take action. I think that if the lights were to be removed, a different method needs to be in place," commented Ross.

There are college campuses that use this app, including the University of Florida. This app puts the blue light capabilities emergency towers around campus on students' smartphones. The app is designed to give students a greater feeling of security. "The UPD has done research on different App's as well as safety programs," assured Cheif Bailey. 

"The blue lights instill a sense of safety among students, yet some students feel that everyone has their own cell phone so why does it matter," stated Grimes.

There are dangers to relying on cellphones too. For instance, if they run out of battery or service. "The argument has been made before that because students have cell phones, these poles have become obsolete. This is not the case I believe, because if a student's phone is not on the person, or not working, then they do not have a method of communication. The blue lights serve as a good backup plan," said Alex Herbst, Student Body Vice President.

To use the blue light phones simply press the large red button that says 911 Emergency. The phone will immediately connect you to a 911 dispatcher. Be prepared to answer questions concerning the nature of the emergency. A police officer will then, depending on the scenario, be on their way to assist you.

The blue lights have been at PSU for approximately 20 years. According to Chief Bailey, "A search of the UPD records revealed no legitimate uses of the Blue Light Phones over the past 10 years."  

"I have never heard of anyone using them...is this good yes...but at what point do we use our statistic that we are a 'safe' campus to decide that blue lights are unnecessary. I don't think that could ever happen. As far as I am concerned, with incoming first year students and parents questioning security I think we need to have an emergency system in place," said Ross.

The University and UPD officials are currently evaluating different strategies and technologies to maintain and enhance the level of safety and security on campus. 

"One strategy is to try and partner with local non-profits to provide a free "911 only" cell phone to students without a cell phone. We are also exploring where the most strategic locations exist to keep blue lights or some type of monitoring system to support our safety efforts," said Chief Bailey. 

In case of any cases requiring medical, fire, or the police emergencies dial 911. For all other emergencies students can contact the University Police (603) 535-2330, or the PSU Alert Line (603) 535-3535. 

As the lights begin to dim, and slowly run out, PSU students should have no fear of the unknown. The University and UPD can assure students that they are exploring every possible solution to the dismantiling of the blue light safety phones.