Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Ashley Oleck Regardless of the weather, security will come if you call 1126.

Jason Wilson, head of Lakeland College security, has been working to enact many new security improvements around campus. Wilson says, "We are implementing little things to let the students feel safe."

The most prominent new security item is a security van. The blue van can be seen around campus and has the security phone number on it.
It is equipped with a first aid kit, jumper cables, and vehicle lockout equipment, and it is available 24 hours a day. This new vehicle allows the security staff to have ready access to the equipment they need to keep our campus safe.

Before the portable first aid kit was implemented, security staff had to retrieve one from the security office. All members of the security staff are certified in administering CPR and using an AED (automatic external defibrillator).

Wilson has also started the safe ride/walk program. It is available 24 hours a day for students or staff to utilize on campus.

During the day time it can be used by students who are on crutches or otherwise disabled to get to class. Wilson realizes that it is a problem for some students because parking is so far away, and he hopes that this resource will keep students safe.

At night the safe ride is available for students who may not feel comfortable walking across campus alone after dark. It can also be utilized by students who are under the influence of alcohol.

Wilson said, "We are not going to use it as a tool to bust people." The safe ride is there to keep students from hurting themselves, others, or school property.

Wilson is also working to start a new program called Jyngle on Lakeland's campus. Jyngle was started after Virginia Tech by a company out of Milwaukee. It is a free mass messaging program that allows the school to send a text or voicemail to the entire student population for any life saving reason.

"[Jyngle] can be used for something as severe as the Virginia Tech shooting or a tornado watch." Wilson said. There is no spam and students' names are not associated with their phone numbers.

RA's are working to collect cell phone numbers from students who live on campus. Wilson urges everyone to sign up for this service. Non-traditional and commuter students can e-mail their phone numbers to Wilson at wilsonjm@lakeland.edu.

Wilson wants to ensure that the students and staff feel safe on Lakeland's campus. "If students have suggestions they should stop by or send me an e-mail."

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