by Ta’John Mitchell

Colorado State University-Pueblo does everything possible to ensure students have the safest campus. Safety is a significant concern on college campuses, and more precautions should be taken to deter crimes. 

What is security? This phrase has a history of connoting some restrictions. Without protocols, safety would be an issue. The following standards, on carrying a weapon, using drugs, and offending anyone, are among the norms that society has previously established to keep individuals safe.

Every element is fulfilled with guidelines to ensure that everyone has a safe environment in which to live. Without restrictions, people can be separated into two groups: those who dominate and break the law or the rules, and those who are the victims of those crimes. Equal rights and reaching an agreement are the core values. To ensure that everyone has the freedom, privacy, and sense of security they deserve.

Young adults often experience apprehension when they first set foot on a college campus. Attending late-night study groups and college parties could be the unknown. More security measures should be implemented at colleges to protect students, just like they are in high schools and elementary schools. Taking  these extra precautions to stop violence, reassure students, and keep an eye on guests on campus.  

People must play a key role in the safety process for campus security to improve. Lectures that attempt to enlighten students on strategies to protect themselves and what can be done to improve safety should be given to them.

If someone breaks the rules, they ought to receive criticism. The pressure of public opinion must be felt by the rule-breaker. Offender information ought to be made available to the public. It is crucial to emphasize to pupils that aggression and cruelty cannot serve as justification for having a favorable outlook on persons like this.

Many of you may be wondering what safety protocols you can do. Well, according to the CSU-Pueblo website, they suggested these tactics to stay safe.

Keep an eye out for people and be aware of potential escape routes from a gathering or area in an emergency. Know the best ways to get around campus safely and quickly. 

Avoid going on a solo walk after dark. If you do, stay on the campus’s well-traveled, well-lit roads. 

Save emergency numbers on your cell phone or near your landline, such as those for campus safety and health services. 

Whenever you sense that something is “not right,” trust your gut. 

Be careful with what you publish online, particularly on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. You may never be sure if stalkers, employers, recruiters, or family members are looking at your private information or images. 

Keep campus building doors closed, especially residential ones. Take down any props and notify a RA or campus security of the issue. 

Never take drinks from strangers since they can be contaminated with drugs. 

Avoid spending time alone in secluded or frequently empty university spaces like study lounges, basement laundry rooms, etc. 

If you notice someone else is in danger, call 911 and follow the safety and security procedures at your school. Never use your own weapon or get into a fight with someone who is armed.

CSU-Pueblo Security Service also conducts nighttime security walkthroughs regularly on campus and in dorm room areas with great visibility. 

Every night, the doors to the lobbies of the resident halls are locked, and a student’s floor key is the only way to access the floors.

Katelyn Johnson, a former student at CSU-Pueblo stated, “On campus, I always feel secure. Without an ID, entering the dorms is really challenging. I appreciate that every floor is locked since, as a woman, anything can happen, but women are more likely to be assaulted than men. The fact that the lights are so bright and that I frequently see officers hiding in particular places adds to my sense of security. My own opinion is that our college’s campus must be the safest university I’ve ever been to.”

According to the 2022 CSUP fire safety and security report, Pueblo county sheriff stated, “The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office is honored to act as the university’s law enforcement agency. By contact, education, and responsiveness, we hope to offer the students, professors, staff, and visitors the best possible level of safety and security. 

“While still showing the highest respect and consideration for CSU Pueblo students and visitors, our deputies serve in a manner that promotes trust, cooperation, and compliance. At CSU, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s works to protect people and property.”

“ Please do not hesitate to call Lt. Chris Kilpatrick at our CSU Pueblo Campus Sheriff’s Office at 719-549-2373 if you have any questions or concerns concerning campus safety.”