ALEX KERR | staff writer
Living in an urban setting, Azusa Pacifi c students should be aware of the potential risks around them, as well as what they can do to improve their safety, both on campus, and around town.
Anthony Strickland, Deputy Chief of Campus Safety, advises students to not only rely on the protection police and Campus Safety can provide, but to also take responsibility for their own well-being. “A lot of people like to place the ownership on Campus Safety to protect you, but the reality is, we all need to take a little bit of responsibility for our own protection,” Strickland said.
Students are advised to use caution in all situations, whether on a fi rst date, walking between campuses at night, or simply making sure your keys are in hand before walking to your car. On-campus services are available for students at all hours, including a courtesy shuttle for students traveling between campuses after dark.
“Trust your instincts,” Strickland said. “Pay a little more attention to your surroundings. Take the steps that you can to provide a more safe and secure environment.” Campus Safety actively works to ensure school premises remain safe, and requires all visitors to have a designated destination, as well as a specifi c student with whom they must be visiting.
“We don’t allow people just to hang out,” Strickland said. “You have to know who you’re visiting, and where they live.” If individuals are found on campus without a specifi c purpose or permission, they are required to sign a trespassing form, and may not return to campus until further notice. These acts of trespassing occur nearly every day. Students are urged to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible, making it easier for Campus Safety to respond. “Sometimes people may see a suspicious person, and they won’t call us until they get off work, or whatever the case may be, and by then, that person is gone,” Strickland said.
Deputy Chief Strickland also teaches Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes at APU. Developed to “enhance the options of self-defense” for women, R.A.D. offers tactics and techniques for handson defense training.
While it is not a martial arts class, R.A.D. does work to improve a woman’s motor skills, while utilizing simulated assaults to prepare participants for real life scenarios. A session will be offered on campus this weekend.
Students can easily access crime and safety information through Campus Safety’s website, as well as the Azusa Police Department. In 2006, a total of 13 arrests were made across campus by Campus Safety, including six in the residence halls. One forcible rape was reported, two cases of aggravated assault, 40 cases of grand theft, 58 auto burglaries and one count of arson. Approximately 247 disciplinary actions and judicial referrals were given, including four weapons possessions.
In the same year, the city of Azusa reported one murder, 10 forcible rapes and 131 aggravated assaults.
“Take ownership of your own personal safety. Be a little more conscious,” Strickland said. “Don’t be afraid to report something.”
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