The College Introduces New Safety Initiatives
November 4, 2009 by spelmancollege
Filed under November 2009, Past Around Campus
Safety is always a high priority at Spelman College, but as you know, our efforts have had new urgency following the tragic death of Jasmine Lynn, C’2012, on Sept. 3. Earlier this semester, some immediate steps were taken to enhance our security efforts:
- Increased collaboration among the four Atlanta University Center public safety teams (Spelman, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine) to expand patrol coverage
- Shared radio frequencies to improve inter-campus communication when incidents occur
- The closing of James P. Brawley Street to vehicular traffic
- Increased checking of student IDs to reduce nonstudent loitering
- Meetings between the Council of Presidents and community leaders to discuss strategies for community revitalization, recognizing that such revitalization is the long-term solution to reducing crime and improving the quality of life for all.
All of these joint efforts are very important and will continue. In addition, the Woodruff Library security team initiated the “Brawley Bounce,” providing golf-cart pick-up and drop-off transportation along the Brawley Street pedestrian promenade from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. (30 minutes after the library closes) Sunday-Thursday. The “Brawley Bounce” supplements the already-existing Library Shuttle which runs daily, making stops on each campus, during the hours that the Woodruff Library is open.
At Spelman, we have continued to look at how we can enhance our efforts within our own department of Public Safety to maximize the security of our students in the AUC neighborhood. I am pleased to inform you of two new Spelman initiatives now in place:
1. Spelman Public Safety “Brawley Escorts”
Spelman College Public Safety Officers are now patrolling the Brawley pedestrian promenade between the Greensferry entrance to Spelman and the Woodruff Library entrance on a recently purchased T-3 scooter (a pedestrian-friendly vehicle like those seen in airports). The scooter (complete with blue lights) elevates the officer, allowing him or her to see over the heads of pedestrians and visually scan the area more effectively, yet moves slowly enough to accompany students walking along the promenade. Students may request an escort by checking in with an officer at the Greensferry entrance to Spelman or at the Woodruff Library entrance between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., Sunday-Thursday. (The library is closed on Friday and Saturday evenings).
2. Shuttle on Request (West End MARTA and Woodruff Library)
The route to and from the West End MARTA station is a heavily traveled pedestrian route and many students find safety in numbers. However, Spelman students traveling after dark may now call (404) 867-0858 for a ride using the Spelman “Shuttle on Request” service, available between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., seven days a week. Students can wait safely at the West End MARTA station for the few minutes it will take for a Spelman van driver to come and pick them up. Due to limited van space, a Spelman ID will be required to board the Spelman shuttle. Spelman students may also request a ride to Woodruff Library using this “shuttle on request” service. We will assess the use of the service this semester, and consider adjustments as needed in the spring.
We have been able to increase the services our Public Safety team provides because we have added reinforcements. In consultation with the Atlanta Police Department, we have hired off-duty police officers to supplement and expand our patrol of the neighborhood, increasing safety for all members of the AUC community. This effort is in addition to the increased car and foot patrols currently being provided by the Atlanta Police Department to our sector of the city.
We believe that these focused efforts will help restore the sense of security that is so important to our community. However, each of us must continue to take responsibility for our own safety and make safe choices – choosing to travel in groups rather than alone, choosing to wait for the shuttle, choosing to pay attention to our surroundings rather than walking with headphones on or talking on the cell phone, choosing to walk in well-lit areas rather than on dark, isolated streets, and choosing to report suspicious activity when we see it.
Let’s all heed these safety tips. Together we can keep our community safe. Thank you for your support in this very important effort. — Beverly Daniel Tatum, President, Spelman College
Thank you for the added security you are doing a great job! My daughter has commented that of the improvement.
Keep up the good work!
As an alumni of the 1980’s, I am particularly pleased to see these changes finally materialize at Spelman and within the AUC. Even in the early 1980’s, these safety concerns were being echoed, however, the sense of urgency was seemingly not as great. The need for stronger security measures seemed to take a lower priority because of the prevailing notion that the AUC was untouchable, although questionable incidents occurred on a periodic basis. Although these changes were sorely needed, one wishes that a student death would not be the impetus for these changes to have been finally instituted.
However, I am glad Spelman has taken the lead in coordinating these security enhancements for Spelman and the AUC as a whole. Together, there is strength in numbers while exercising good safety habits for the students, and there is strength in consistent cooperation for the consortium overall.
Being a mom of a Spelman Sophomore I’ve been extremely concerned about my daughters safety. The common violent incidents surrounding the AUC since her start has been frightening. I am constantly charging my daughter to think and walk defensively. She always responds “Oh Mom, not at Spelman.” The tragic death of Jasmine made her, Spelman and the AUC rethink their defensive plan. I pray and gain peace through God but will say that the new safety measures make me feel more secure about our daughters’ lives in the hands of “Spelman” and the AUC. Hearing the voice of 1980 Alumni Jamie is a reminder that senseless crimes and Black on Black violence remains a plague in our inner city communities. I will continue to pray that each day brings peace, safety, love and success to the students and staff of the AUC. I believe a scheduled Semester Prayer Vigil can plant seeds, challenge and set a charge to stop the violence. I will contact the Spelman College Parent Association about its possible development. GODSPEED!
I am so glad to see these safety improvements. Having visited several campuses in preparation for my daughter to attend college, safety was always one of my concerns. I felt very safe on campus, but the surrounding area is creepy.