229-333-2157 April 25, 2005
05-144
Students Aid Police in Patrolling VSU Campus
The Student Security Patrol is the newest result of the
strategic planning process of Valdosta State University. The new
student patroller program has trained student employees extending
the visual presence of University Police.
Ten VSU students are currently employed and equipped with
flashlights and radios. The student patrollers, which began their
duties this month, are additional eyes and ears for campus police.
Student patrollers are also aided by two utility terrain vehicles
with which they will patrol the Oak Street parking lot and other
areas as needed. The vehicles were approved as part of the
Strategic Planning Budget Initiative, costing an estimated $26,000
for the pair.
The focus of the program is to have a larger presence of security
on campus. Patrols are concentrated in areas around Oak Street and
Centennial Hall and take place from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The students
check buildings, make sure doors are locked, and serve as
escorts.
"This is a response to VSU students wanting more police to cover
the parking lots," said Scott Doner, director of University Police.
"We may also use this new patrol for special events from time to
time." Approval and funding for the initiative was requested by
University Police.
