The University Police Department (UPD) works tirelessly year round to ensure that campus is a safe and pleasant place to be. While UPD works to this end, it is important that students take steps to keep themselves and others safe while on campus. In order to do this, it is important that students realize that the risk of becoming a victim is always there.
While there is no one way for a student to completely protect himself or herself, Lt. Patrick Gipson of UPD believes that the community plays a large role in making  the campus safe.
“There is no specific, single thing or combination of things that a person can do to entirely prevent something bad from happening.  Our best defense is to hold ourselves and everyone we know accountable for proper social behavior,” said Gipson. “One of the reasons crimes occur is because criminals know few people will act to stop them.  Most people either believe the situation doesn’t affect them, think it is best to ‘not get involved’ or expect someone else will take action to intercede.”
It is common in this day for people to take self-defense classes in order to better prepare themselves for trouble. While taking self-defense classes can help prepare a student for a dangerous situation, Gipson explained that these classes might not be for everyone.
“Not everyone is comfortable taking self-defense classes and some ‘self-defense’ classes are simply someone trying to make money selling a product,” said Gipson.
Gipson recommended that anybody desiring to take a self-defense class should research the class, instructor and the curriculum to avoid scams.
“One good rule to follow is that if a class is labeled as a ‘self-defense’ class, but is less than 12 hours long, it is probably a scam,” said Gipson.
In the past, UPD has offered a self-defense class titled “Rape Aggression Defense.” According to Gipson, the instructor for this class is working on setting up a class for July and once the date is finalized, word will be spread through a press release.
Another way students can help avoid dangerous situations is by eliminating certain “bad habits” that can create dangerous situations. Gibson said that in 2011 UPD received the most calls in traffic crashes, medical emergencies and thefts.
In order to avoid traffic crashes, Gipson suggests that students avoid driving under the influence of any substance and watching other drivers for signs of dangerous behavior. To prevent medical emergencies, he suggests that students keep a healthy diet and take prescribed medicine properly. To guard against theft, he recommends that students secure their property and not leave it unattended.
Gipson was confident that with the help of the students, UPD could continue to make campus a safe place to be.
“The University Police Department is here to assist our students. Sometimes we have to stop students from doing things they want to do and it’s not because we don’t want students to have fun or enjoy their college experience, but because we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Gipson. “Most situations where our officers are involved can be resolved peacefully and without anyone getting in serious trouble so long as everyone is willing to cooperate and work together to find an amicable solution.  If everyone keeps this in mind and works together to keep our campus safe, every student can have a positive experience and reach their goals.”
To report an emergency, students should call UPD at 985-549-2222. This number is open 24 hours and seven days a week, even when campus is closed. Students can also call 911 for help. Gipson said that students should remain on the phone until officers arrive and be prepared to give needed updates of the situation.