SafeWalk promotes campus safety and security
JOE TROMBELLO
News Writer
SafeWalk, Notre Dame's student-employed nighttime escort service, remains a visible presence on campus, according to SafeWalk supervisor and Notre Dame security officer Cappy Gagnon. Although Gagnon said that most students perceive the Notre Dame campus to be safe, the SafeWalk service still receives calls from Notre Dame students and employees to escort them across campus.
"We have a widespread feeling among students that this campus is `safe'. Because of that, we get few calls for our assistance," Gagnon said.
In addition to offering confidential walks to students and employees, the SafeWalk teams also patrol the campus and report any suspicious behavior to the Notre Dame Security/Police Department via radio. Over its history, SafeWalk has caught at least two burglaries and has requested medical attention for numerous ill students. Notre Dame Security/Police Department Assistant Director Charles Hurley said that the SafeWalk services allow security officers the freedom to concentrate on other tasks while SafeWalk members are on patrol.
"[SafeWalk] frees our officers up to patrol the campus more – one of the benefits of SafeWalk to our department is keeping our officers free [to perform other tasks]," he said. As students employed by the Security/Police Department, the members of SafeWalk often work about nine hours per week. Each team of two to four people responds to calls, patrols the campus, speaks with hall rectors and assistant rectors and walks through popular student hangouts like Reckers.
Safewalk teams often perform recruit walks, approaching groups of one or two females and offering to walk them back to their destination even though they have not formally requested an escort. In this way, SafeWalk both advertises its services and promotes a more secure campus, Gagnon said.
"The best advertising that we can do is walking around the campus," Gagnon said. "I think that people know that we are willing to do things at NDSP to help students. I can't believe there is a person on campus who is fearful and doesn't think that we would help," he said.
Students working with SafeWalk said they like the interaction with fellow students and enjoy helping to make people feel more secure.
"I have a chance to go out and meet people and do a good service," said Josh Towns, an Alumni Hall resident. "It is a good feeling that we have – [those who request escort walks] are really appreciative of the walks."
According to Student Coordinator Jon Frecceri, applications for SafeWalk employees have grown this year. Frecceri also said that the extra benefit to security is an essential component of SafeWalk.
"[SafeWalk] is a safety measure; it can't hurt to have an extra set of eyes. It is great knowing that we are an addition to the ND/SP," he said.
Although she does not know that any of her residents have used the SafeWalk service this year, Lyons Hall Rectress Sister Susan Dunn said that many of the Lyons members have called SafeWalk in the past to receive walks after late classes, appointments or on-campus events. She said that the SafeWalk service helps to promote a sense of safety and security for students and faculty who face long walks at late hours.
"Although the University is a hospitable and safe environment, I think in this day and age you can never be too cautious, so a service like SafeWalk is a wonderful addition to security," she said. "Anyone can feel free to call, particularly if there is a late night class or appointment."
SafeWalk was formed over 10 years ago in response to increasing safety concerns. While earning three degrees at Notre Dame, Dennis Lynch worked in the SafeWalk program for 10 years. Former employee R.G. Starman now works as a Secret Service Agent for President Bush. According to Hurley, this year is no different with regard to the quality of its employees.
"We are blessed to have some outstanding people as student employees," he said.
SafeWalk currently employees about 25 students and offers its services daily from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Students and faculty requesting a SafeWalk can call the Notre Dame Security/Police Department at 631-1555. Security officers will provide escorts after this time.
All News Stories for Thursday, November 7, 2002
