Safety Strikes at VCU

When students in high school start applying for colleges, one of the first things they think about is, is it safe? Ever since the Virginia Tech shooting, students and parents have become even more concerned about their child’s safety at school.

On April 1, 2010, students of VCU filled the Harris Hall auditorium at the University Safety Forum meeting and got to talk about safety issues around the university's campus with VCU Chief Police John Venuti. Chief Venuti declared that the number one biggest crime on campus is laurcing, leaving something unattended and being stolen. "Theft is just one of the many safety issues here at VCU. While we are still working on the missing student, we want to get your questions and concerns about how we can help make VCU a safer community," said Chief Venuti (more information concerning the missing student can be found on the following link:

http://www.news.vcu.edu/news/Parents_of_Missing_VCU_Student_Make_Videotaped_Plea_for_Information).

After talking with the students about the many issues around the university, a conclusion was made that many students only felt "kind of safe" around campus. Chief Venuti talked with the students about their concerns around campus and how they feel the VCU Police can make it better. One student expressed her concern about campus transportation. "I asked why couldn't a VCU student's guest, who doesn't go to VCU, ride the escort service. And all Chief Venuti would reply was 'I'll keep it short and sweet, it's only available to staff and students at VCU.' He didn't really answer my question, and
even other students were disagreeing and booing at the chief's response."

Campus lighting seems to be another issue students are concerned with. After late night classes, walking with a friend isn't good enough. As students walk through Monroe Park, they notice there is very little lighting which makes them feel unsafe, as well as other lighting around campus. "One of the lights has been out for the past four months on W. Franklin St. Have you noticed that and plan to fix it?", questions a freshman student. Chief Venuti replies, "I have noticed that the light on W. Franklin St. has been out, and we do plan on fixing it very soon."

VCU Police assured the students that they are concerned about their safety and they want to do everything they can do to keep the students safe. Other issues were brought up such as monitoring the buildings around campus every hour to prevent theft and trespassing. Chief Venuti concludes the meeting with a few words of advice, "Walk with a friend if it's late at night, don't take the back alley ways, and be safe!"