Elon Campus Safety and Police is asking all students, faculty and staff to take extra precautions in light of recent security incidents. Read this note for details about what you can do to increase safety on campus and in the community.
To: Elon University students, faculty and staff
From: Chuck Gantos, director of campus safety and police
Over the past three months, several security incidents have been reported to the campus, in line with the university’s policy to share information about all such reports. While no one has been harmed or touched, there has been rising concern about prowlers and intruders, indecent exposures, and persons in vehicles who attempted to pick up students walking or jogging. Most of these incidents occurred off campus, but at or near where Elon students live.
Elon University Police, in partnership with Town of Elon Police, have taken a number of measures and are working to apprehend those responsible for these incidents. Though no one has been arrested, we are making good progress in our investigations.
An alert campus community can be the #1 asset in these efforts. Each member of the Elon community is asked to be vigilant and practice sound safety practices at all times.
Do your part by taking the following safety measures:
- Immediately report any suspicious activity or incidents by calling 9-1-1 … don’t delay your report – every second counts
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times
- Don’t walk or jog alone during the evening and early morning hours; use a buddy system and travel only in well-lit and populated areas
- If you have to walk alone, stay alert to your surroundings with cell phone readily available
- Pre-program your cell phone to 9-1-1
- If your vehicle is pulled over, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up until you are sure it is the police; if you cannot confirm that it is a law enforcement officer, call 9-1-1 and ask the dispatcher to verify
- Call Campus Safety at 278-5555 for an escort anywhere on campus 24/7; note that students who ride the shuttle to campus may contact Campus Safety for an E-ride from campus TO their residences within one-half mile of the campus Monday through Friday until one hour after the first floor of the Belk Library closes
- Use the Danieley Tram, which runs until 3 a.m. daily
- Use SAFE RIDES, coordinated by the Elon Volunteers! Office, for free rides within a one-mile radius of the campus on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. The number for Safe Rides is 278-7433 (RIDE).
In addition, the university is implementing a comprehensive security plan. This year four Campus Police positions were added, a new 800 megahertz communications system was purchased, two full-time dispatchers were hired, an electric car was purchased to increase internal patrols on the campus, and two outdoor emergency sirens were installed. New investments will continue this summer and in coming years. This summer new fencing will be installed around Danieley Center, video surveillance cameras will be installed in several parking lots along with gates at several parking lot entrances, and card swipe access will be added to several buildings. In addition, lighted, raised crosswalks will be installed in three high-traffic areas on campus. To learn more about the safety and security master plan, CLICK HERE.
Overall, Elon is a very safe campus and community. However, we are not immune from crime and do not want a single member of our community to be harmed. I ask each person to follow these safety practices and communicate with the police any suspicious behaviors or security incidents immediately. Contributing to a safe campus and neighborhood is the responsibility of each member of our community.