Safety First

Crime down, communication up

November 18, 2008

Dee Danser, director of public safety (center), meets with Aaron Williams ’09 (left) and Lee Tankle ’10 to discuss student involvement in campus safety initiatives.

A shadowy menace lures motorists out of their cars by creating roadblocks with tires and wire. When drivers stop and try to remove the blockage, he robs them.

It would be a terrifying tale—if it were true.

"Creepy Tire Guy" is just one of several safety myths and misconceptions that has taken root this year.

Dolores "Dee" Danser, chief of police and director of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), said that officers investigated the tire incident after a student report but found nothing suspicious. "We disposed of the tires and thought that was the end of it," she said. Days later, however, the unfounded tale of "Creepy Tire Guy" began to circulate among students.

While urban legends are a common phenomenon, Danser emphasized the need to separate safety myths from real safety concerns. "If you're not sure if something is true, if you have a safety concern, contact our office. We are here to help. To be safe, you need to be informed," Danser added.

Danser says that in times of economic hardship and right before the holidays, communities across the nation anticipate slight increases in crime. The reality is that since 2005, overall campus crime has decreased. However, she does point to one area where there has been a measureable increase—the number of safety- and security-related communications issued by DPS.

Danser, a career law-enforcement professional with nearly 30 years of experience, has stepped up campuswide communications. Using all-campus e-mails, she works to ensure that students and staff are aware of relevant on- or off-campus incidents as quickly as possible. Danser also advocates use of the Dickinson Red Alert system, which she utilized this summer to warn the campus community of a tornado that was developing in the Carlisle area.

"All students and staff should sign up for the alerts. If they don't know how, they can e-mail me," Danser said.

Knowledge is power

While communication from DPS is vital to campus safety, it is just one tool. Another important aspect is awareness.

"Too often the most basic safety rules are overlooked: being aware of one's surroundings; not walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas; securing your valuables in your room and locking the door; keeping car doors locked; not propping open residence hall doors. The list goes on," Danser said.

While these safety tips bear repeating, Danser understands that students must have the knowledge and skills to make good safety decisions. She also knows the vital role members of DPS have as education facilitators, which is why Danser and her staff of certified officers stay abreast of safety trends and practices and eagerly impart their knowledge through cooperative activities.

"We talk to student groups as much as possible," she said. Danser notes that each student residence has a safety liaison. These individuals are information resources for students and are reachable via e-mail or by calling DPS.

Safety programs

DPS offers a number of programs to equip Dickinsonians with necessary safety skills.

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program is a course that empowers female students to reduce their risk of victimization and defend themselves in event of an attack. Danser hopes to offer the class this spring to all women affiliated with the college.

The Safe Ride/Safe Walk program provides a walking companion or a ride as alternatives to walking alone, especially at night. Students can arrange for the service to and from college facilities through DPS by calling ext. 1349 or by using the blue light call boxes.

Call boxes are located around campus and students should not hesitate to use them. Students underage and under the influence of alcohol will not be arrested if they call for help.

"We'd rather they were safe than sorry," Danser said. "We're not out to get anyone. Our priority is student safety."

The Safety Walk program is another cooperative effort in which students, DPS and facilities management personnel walk the campus to identify areas that would benefit from additional safety features.

"Students don't always take the paved pathways, the sidewalks we plan for them to use. They frequently take shortcuts. If we know these routes exist, and where, we can think about safety improvements such as lighting, overgrown shrubbery, even the installment of a blue light phone," said Danser. "Student input is essential. Students are part of the solution."

Power to the people

Danser said that while DPS works to keep the campus safe, students must work to adopt good safety habits and to make wise safety choices each day. A Student Senate effort to start up a student-run, wider-ranging Safe Ride program is currently under way and Danser hopes the plan comes to fruition.

"There is crime everywhere and it's not possible or realistic to expect officers to be everywhere, at all times. We give students the information and skills they need to empower themselves and they need to take some responsibility too," Danser said. "Whether you live in a big city like New York or Philadelphia, or in a small town, everyone should exercise good safety habits everywhere they go. Don't be fooled into thinking you are safe because you're at the mall in the suburbs. Be aware and make responsible decisions."