In previous years, South Campus and the surrounding University Heights area has been the scene of criminal activities. However, there are hopes that this year will be different as new security measures will be implemented, and joint patrols will hit the streets in the University Heights area.
The UPD will begin their patrol at 7 p.m. and will be followed by the Buffalo Police Department at 9 p.m., according to Gerald Schoenle, chief of University Police. NFTA will join forces with UPD and the Buffalo Police Department whenever they have the manpower, and all forces will stay as long as they are needed.
The joint patrols presence will be seen on Main Street from University Plaza to LaSalle Station, according to Dennis Black, UB vice president of student affairs.
UPD officers have been out on their bikes since last week and will be followed by Segway Personal Transporters, which were given to the department by UB, Schoenle said.
Black believes that the idea is to get the police out of their cars and into the streets to increase safety.
'The reality and perception of threat of continuing crime within that neighborhood are the main reasons why the joint patrols were started,' Black said.
The police on bikes and Segways are the best improvement because the physical presence of cops will deter crime from occurring, according to Danielle Schwartz, a junior communication major.
'Even with the increase of police presence I would like to see more Anti-Rape Task Force vans to go to off-campus houses,' Schwartz said.
Along with the joint patrols, a security consultant was hired and then assessed South Campus to determine where cameras and emergency blue light systems should be placed, according to Schoenle.
'Seventy-six security cameras and 19 emergency phones were placed on South Campus, and all exterior lighting was replaced,' Schoenle said. 'North Campus will be assessed, and within the next two years, significant enhancements will be made to North Campus.'
Emergency phones and cameras would be helpful, but it depends on the location because they could be vandalized or broken, which would lead to a waste of money, according to Michael Yu, a freshman accounting major.
Community building functions have been planned for the upcoming year between the residents of University Heights and UB students residing in the area.
'Last Wednesday, a group of 50 volunteers that consisted of UB faculty, staff and individuals residing in the University Heights area passed out safety and good neighbor bags to 2,700 houses,' Black said. 'The student bags contained information on how to protect yourself and how to be a good neighbor. The resident bags contained information on how they can take advantage of university resources, and what to do if you don't have a good neighbor.'
This Sunday, a Neighbor's Day Block Party and Safety Fair will be held on the front lawn of Hayes Hall from 3 to 7 p.m.
Residents and students will be able to meet each other in an environment filled with bands, free food and safety booths, Black said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
