SUWF: Safety

Safety Initiatives

The SUWF Board met with Police Chief Edwin Lashley and Lieutenant/Administrative Commander Sandra Bradley to discuss concerns about campus safety brought up in our open 2015 fall meeting in September. After a very fruitful and productive meeting, the SUWF began working on three initiatives.

Firstly, we held a self-defense class on February 26, 2016 on a Friday afternoon when most faculty and staff with families can more easily attend. This class was led by Police Officer Tina Russell, and we hope it will be the first of many like it.

Additionally, we hosted a 2-hour presentation/discussion on campus safety led by Police Chief Lashley during the 2016 Teaching and Learning Conference.

Thirdly, we gathered some clear tips and facts from SU Police to provide for you here. Whenever you have some time we encourage you to explore the SU Police Department website, as there are several rich resources there for your education. In the meantime, the following are some easily digestible facts.

Quick Facts and Tips

• The SU Police extension number is #36222 and the full number is (410) 543-6222 – we suggest you make a prominent note of this number as many people are not automatically aware of it. Put it on your list of phone contacts—remember, in a crisis situation you don’t want to be struggling to remember the right number to call.
• Verizon phone holders can dial # 787 to go directly to SU Police
• There is a distinction between security and police. Security personnel do not carry guns and were hired to handle non-police duties. Our Police Department is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) and are sworn, certified police officers as required by Maryland state law.
• In an annual report delivered by the Police Department there were 90 arrests on campus last year. So, we believe it should be a priority for everyone to ensure our campus becomes a safer place.
• Statistically speaking, however, crime has gone down on this campus. Moreover, the majority of crimes that do occur are non-violent theft.
• In the case of a medical emergency, the best response is to dial 911 and then #36222 to let SU police know where the emergency is happening so they can more easily help other emergency personnel locate the caller/site of crisis.
• There are over 50 blue light emergency phones near every building across campus. All you need to do to reach Police on these phones is press a single button. SU Police have received numerous prank calls through these phones—please help us spread the word about ensuring that these are used correctly. That said, please also be assured that the existence of these phones has acted as a useful deterrent with regard to crime.
• There are many security cameras in public spaces on campus. Security cameras are not used in areas that are reasonably considered private (such as offices). While these cameras are not likely to stop a crime in progress they can be, and have been, used to solve crimes that have occurred.
• There is an escort service provided by the police (different from Safe Rides for students) if one feels unsafe to leave one's building: for example, if one needs to walk to the parking lot.
• For those who usually walk to campus, but feel unsafe at night: an evening parking permit is $35. Therefore, people don’t have to buy a full annual parking permit to park legitimately at night at SU when coming in late or for events.
• SU police has a certified mental health first aid instructor: Brian Waller.
• The SU police are happy to come to your office and tell you what needs to be done to make the working environment safer.