Walking Tours Focus on Campus Safety at UMass Amherst
Oct. 26, 2009
| Contact: | John Richardson |
AMHERST, Mass. – The annual “Walk for Light” tour series led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department and residence hall security will begin Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. on the front steps of the Student Union. This is the first of several prearranged walking tours around different areas of campus where the UMass police department works with faculty, staff and student groups to identify safety related maintenance concerns, as well as dark areas on campus that could benefit from additional lighting.
The event is designed to strengthen relationships while increasing the trust and communication between these groups, in hopes that throughout the year, any possible concerns are addressed properly for the benefit of the entire community. Last year, the participants successfully identified more than 70 issues ranging from burned out light bulbs and overgrown vegetation to deteriorating concrete steps and non-functioning help phones.
The residence hall security staff annually submits many maintenance requests, but the perspectives gained on these walking tours help recognize areas that need improvement in order to keep our community safe, organizers say. The “Walk for Light” is most effective with active participation and members of all groups within the university are encouraged to take part.
Following the event, participants are invited for refreshments at the police department where representatives will be available to answer questions about the tour, the department, and the initiatives being taken to increase safety on campus. If planning to attend, contact John Richardson by Friday, Oct. 30.
Contact: John Richardson, jtrichar@admin.umass.edu
E-mail story to a friend 
Printer-friendly version
