By Corey Gehrold

When you live and work in such close proximity to the sixth largest university in the country, it’s important to understand both the wonderful things it brings to our community, but also the public safety concerns that typically tag along. Insight recently spoke with the UCF Police Departments Community Relations Supervisor, Corporal James Roop, about what the school has done recently to improve safety precautions on campus and in the surrounding areas.

Today, UCF employs more than 60 police officers to patrol the main campus and surrounding affiliated communities in marked patrol vehicles, mountain bicycles and on foot 365 days a year, seven days a week.

One of the biggest challenges involving public safety at UCF is special events. The force has seen a positive response to its safety systems for concerts in the new arena and football games at the new Brighthouse Networks Stadium. Every location utilizes security cameras, multiple radio systems and staffs a multitude of officers. During football games, “The UCF Police department maintains control and planning of parking, traffic [details], tailgating oversight and communication with the eight other agencies,” says Roop. Because they control so many game day safety aspects, there have only been a few minor incidences during football season, ranging from underage alcohol consumption to fights. For the most part though, Roop says, “Crowds have been relatively peaceful and respectful of others.”

As far as non-event related crimes, the UCF PD has much more on their proverbial plates. According to the latest statistics on crimes reported to the department at both on-campus and in affiliated housing, the most common offenses have been liquor and drug referrals, followed closely by burglary incidents numbering into the teens and twenties. Several sexual offenses and assaults have also been reported. “In my opinion, it’s a lack of ownership in their community,” rues Roop. “Students don’t have a vested interest in the property, unlike a homeowner, thus causing a delay in reporting suspicious activity.”

Recently, in an attempt to curb the crime rate in these communities, securities officers have been posted at the campus affiliated communities of Pegasus Pointe and Pegasus Landing. According to Roop, “Crime has decreased since Allied Barton started manning the gates 24/7 and also incorporated a roving patrol on a bicycle. All calls for service have dropped.” However, some students living in these communities continue to have concerns. “I personally don’t feel any safer when the guards are on duty,” says Tracee Dubbs, a resident of Pegasus Pointe. “They aren’t even there half the time, and when they are, they just wave everyone through anyway. I’ve actually started to carry a Taser because of it.”

Last month, UCF PD held a high-tech training exercise to prepare for scenarios involving a shooter on campus. It’s something every U.S. campus needs to worry about in the wake of the Virigina Tech catastrophe. An entire day of training, involving students and faculty as well, will allow officers’ performances to be evaluated and the emergency plan to be updated accordingly.

Roop says, “The community has to come together and start getting involved in reporting suspicious activity in a timely manner, and, if there is a fear of reprisal, using Crimeline.” With the sheer amount of activity going on in and around the campus, Roop said that public safety is in the hands of the residents to a much larger extent than they realize. “It’s that tip to Law Enforcement that prevents crimes before they even happen.”

For tips on how to stay safe, please visit http://police.ucf.edu/CrimePrevention.html.