Shock, fear and concern are just some of the responses from University of Memphis students concerning campus safety, following an assault attempt on a female student Monday evening. However, for some students, the reality hasn't hit close to home.
Roger Fowler, director of public safety, said during the Fall 2000 semester, there were two counts of exhibitionism, one count of indecent exposure, two counts of sexual battery and one count of forcible rape. During winter break (between the Fall 2000 and Spring 2001 semesters) there were two counts of exhibitionism reported. From January 16, 2001 to current, there has been one count of exhibitionism and one sexual battery reported.
Freshman biology major Jennifer Gilbert said the campus needs better lighting.
"I usually feel safe when other people are around or the area is well lit," Gilbert said.
"During the day I feel safe," Melissa Massey, freshman music business major, said. "I don't like to walk around on campus at night. It is encouraging to see campus police driving around on campus though."
One U of M student, who spoke on the condition that her name not be used, said she doesn't feel safe on campus and doesn't have confidence in the University police. This female student reported that during the Fall 1998 semester, she had a stalker and The U of M Department of Public Safety was unable to help. They were not able to help, she said, because she didn't know the name, address, phone number or license plate number of the stalker.
"I was in the public safety office crying and they said they could not help," the girl who wished to remain anonymous said. "I was scared for my life and I ended up dropping out for the semester. They would not change my down room, phone number or even track the phone calls the stalker."
Maurice Williams, University coordinator of crime prevention, has several tips for students when walking on campus. Williams said he strongly encourages students to call Tiger Patrol when walking around campus at night. Tiger Patrol can be reached by dialing 678-HOME (4663). Also, be cautious of strangers and onlookers during the day and at night. Students should commute on well-lit walkways and streets at night. When walking around on campus, students should look in control.
"When an individual is on campus they should look in control," Williams said. "Send out the message of 'I am not your next victim.'"
Williams also said to develop the "buddy system" when on campus at night.
"A good idea is for students to park in well lit areas on campus," Williams said. "Students should park together on campus. When you get out of class, walk to your cars together. Better than that, call Tiger Patrol to walk you to your cars."
"Students should also be familiar with the campus telephone emergency system," said Williams. "Know where the emergency phones are before you go out at night."
There are approximately 20 outside emergency phones on campus, Fowler said. There are also red emergency phones in every academic lobby.
The Department of Public Safety is hosting "The Profiles of Men Who Rape" free workshop for female faculty and staff. The workshop will be April 18 and 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. The workshop will focus on awareness of the men who commit sexual offenses. Interested faculty and staff should e-mail rfowler@memphis.edu before April 10 to get more information.
