Ledger

The University of Washington Tacoma Office of Safety and Security now shares its office with the Tacoma Police Department to help increase security around campus.

According to Tacoma Police Spokesman Mark Fulghum, two Bike Patrol Officers have been assigned to UWT. "Our officers do patrol the area around the campus and will assist UWT security as needed," said Fulghum. "The security officers have radios with our frequencies and call for assistance."

Fulghum went on to say that having UWT in downtown Tacoma has actually alleviated some security problems in the area around campus. "The school is now housed in buildings that were unoccupied and were frequented by transients and the criminal element," he said. "Now that these buildings are occupied, those folks have moved on. On the negative side, because of the increase in students parking cars around the area, the number of vehicle break-ins has increased."

UWT Security Officer Kevin Miller mentioned that there were two car prowl arrests in 2006 – one near the museum and another on Fawcett Street, with a single perpetrator being arrested both times. He went on to add that the lone car prowler keeps getting released because his crime is categorized as a non-violent offense. There was also an unsolved homicide on school owned property near the campus, but according to Fulghum there is no connection to UWT.

Currently, some UWT Security Officers find their ability to perform an effective service to the campus impeded, owing to the fact they are not allowed to carry weapons. Ed Aviles, who is a newcomer to the UWT Office of Safety and Security, has experience patrolling the Bates Technical College campus with a firearm. "The ability to respond to a potentially volatile situation could be hampered without a weapon," said Aviles. "It’s good to have that as a deterrent. Without it, we cannot do a whole lot more than what the students can." He went on to add that in all the time that he worked campus security with a firearm, he never had to draw his weapon.

When asked about the possibility of using electronic tasers, Miller said that they wouldn’t be very effective unless they also had firearms.

Also of concern to some members of the campus community is the lack of video surveillance at UWT. Both Miller and Aviles agree it would be a good tool, especially in terms of prosecuting offenders. However, Miller said that they may not be cost effective.

Currently, electronic classroom equipment is kept secure by an electronic instant messaging system that text messages the security officers the room number if a piece of equipment is unplugged or damaged.

In the meantime, students can do a lot to minimize car prowls and maximize personal safety by not parking in remote areas and removing all valuables from plain site. Also, a buddy system is recommended by security officers for students who walk a long distance to class.