Anna-Lisa Hailing
Ramona
The campus police offers a program called Safewalk, where a member of the police will escort a student anywhere on campus. The program offers a safe, reliable alternative to walking alone. Or does it?
I work at the Smith Fieldhouse from 10 p.m. to l a.m., and I often have to walk from my dorm to work. It's not exactly a pleasant experience to walk alone late at night, especially if you're a girl. Therefore, I called the police to find out about Safewalk. I was put on hold and had to wait through two lengthy classical pieces before I was able to talk to someone. Finally, I was told that when I needed an escort I simply had to call and request one, and one would be sent immediately to wherever I was. However, when I called for my escort later, I was put on hold again. What if I had been in trouble, and needed immediate help?
I was finally able to secure an escort for my walk to work. Or so I thought. I was informed that my escort would arrive within 15 minutes.I waited for over 45 minutes, and the escort never arrived.I called in late for work and got a ride from a guy who was in my lobby. Which was the lesser of the two evils? Get a ride with someone I didn't know, or walk in the dark by myself?
I think that the Safewalk program is a very good idea. In fact, I hope that it continues for years to come. However, perhaps a more efficient and reliable system can be worked out in order to better protect the students of BYU.