A campus safety initiative atWest Virginia Universityhas proven so valuable during its pilot phase that it is now being extended with $20,000 additional funding for the 2008-09 academic year.
The program, Partners for Safety, introduced student walking patrols on WVU s Downtown Campus last fall after University President Mike Garrison joined WVU PoliceChief Bob Roberts andStudent Government Association (SGA)leaders in announcing several new safety programs, including a text-message emergency alert system and improved lighting.
Garrison praised the Partners for Safety students, known as WVU cadets, for assisting University Police in watching over the security on campus. Maintaining a safe campus continues to be among the top priorities at WVU , he said.
We are proud of our cadets and their selfless service helping to provide a secure atmosphere on campus,Garrison said.WVU has a proven track record of being a safe place, and our WVU cadets are dedicated to helping us keep it that way.
Added Roberts,This program is probably unique to our state in the way we are utilizing students as cadets. In the past year, these cadets have proven very valuable acting as an additional set of �€~eyes and earsfor University Police. There have been several instances where theyve alerted us to incidents.
Because of the added safety measures, SGA President Jason Parsons said students studying late at the library, parking in the garage at night and returning to campus from downtown Morgantown and other venues will not only feel more secure, but will know others are watching out for them.
In the past, there have been police officers patrolling the Downtown Campus, but obviously they cant be everywhere,Parsons said.By introducing student patrols, students should feel even better about campus security.
Cadets who served during WVU s spring semester are Ian Alpert of Frederick, Md.; Jonathan Friend of Bruceton Mills; Drew Galvan ofLeesburg, Va.; Logan Mantz of Capon Bridge; Jonathan Moul of Summersville; Ryan Raines of Riverton; Levi Rogers of Romney; Bryan Steward of Springfield, W.Va.; Stephen Thompson of Oak Park, Va.; Brett Von Riesen of Beatrice, Neb.; and David Weimer of Fairmont. Alpert, Friend, Mantz, Steward and Weimer have been with the program since it started last October.
Since beginning their foot patrols, the cadets have been an asset to WVU Police, helping to spot and report disturbances, destruction of property and suspicious activity. Cadets also assist motorists in need and help watch over buildings and facilities. Over the past two semesters, cadets have patrolled every weekend from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
Lt. Brian Hoxter and Sgt. Peggy Runyon of the WVU Police are charged with overseeing the cadet program, a job that includes doing background checks on applicants, conducting interviews, mentorship, training and teaching cadets the required policies and procedures.
Cadets must also be certified in CPR and first aid. About a dozen cadets participate in the program each semester. They patrol in teams of two, wearing bright reflective vests over civilian clothes and dark blue ball caps labeledWVU Cadet.They carry flashlights, first aid pouches and radios to communicate directly with WVU Police dispatch.
The cadetsrole is limited to observation and reporting only. They are carefully instructed not to get involved in situations such as breaking up a fight, Hoxter noted. Cadets use their radios to call in WVU Police to handle such a scene.
We work with the cadets on training such as first aid and self-defense,Hoxter said.Theyve done numerous foot patrols across campus over the last two semesters.
WVU Police officers say the program is making an important contribution to safety on campus because the cadets offer a way to provide oversight over more areas.
Our cadets have helped to find students in need,Runyon said.Theyve escorted people home and have notified University Police to make sure theyve taken care of others.
Cadets have also assisted WVU Police during home basketball games, helping pedestrians headed to the Coliseum, Roberts said. One student, Matt Childers, who is also a member of the 363rd Military Police Company in Grafton, did so well in the programdemonstrating his commitment, skill and maturitythat he was hired as an officer for WVU Police.
WVU cadets must be full-time students who can work in the program 20 hours per week and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA . The job is open to all majors, and cadets say theyve gained valuable experience.
Ive learned so much through this program,said WVU cadet Bryan Steward.The program allows us to see both sides, as students and through the point of view of law enforcement officials. Its a good learning experience.