Police phone alerts are commendable

This has been a tough semester for Pitt police.

They’ve been faced with sexual assaults,… This has been a tough semester for Pitt police.

They’ve been faced with sexual assaults, robberies, fights, burglaries and most recently, allegations of misconduct. But though they may have hardships and shortcomings, the campus cops have also demonstrated willingness to progress and develop their methods of crime fighting. Despite taking constant heat from the public and the press, the police quietly presented evidence this week that they are interested in improvement.

Students and faculty who live or work on campus – essentially anyone who has a campus phone – received an Audix message this week reporting information about a recent armed robbery in the area and providing safety tips. Pitt police went ahead and took the initiative in providing important safety information to the public on a personal level, and they did so without any kind of attention-getting tactics.

This is a strong step in the right direction for Pitt police. Safety on and around campus has been a big issue this year, and students have demanded a safer environment. The police have responded. Leaving crime alerts on campus Audix accounts is a very effective way of keeping the public informed. But it shouldn’t stop there.

The police should follow up on this initial effort and expand it. If messages can be left on campus Audix accounts, it should also be practical to release crime alerts via e-mail. The University has listings of student accounts, and messages can be sent in bulk. And since most students check their e-mail several times a day, there would be no problem keeping them posted on crime in the area.

It would also be worthwhile to get the Resident Student Association involved. Crime alert fliers that are now posted near crime scenes could be copied, distributed to RSA members and posted on each floor of University dorms.

A similar system has already been instituted at Carnegie Mellon University. CMU police respond to crimes with campus-wide e-mail alerts and fliers posted on 42 billboards across campus.

Safety is an important issue on campus, and it’s nice to see the students’ concerns being considered and addressed. The police deserve a pat on the back for their efforts and they should continue to grow stronger in protecting Pitt.