September 10, 2009 – Our Town – OWU

Photo by Chris Meadows ’10

Who Ya Gonna Call?
OWU Safewalk program provides extra help and safety for students

Walking back alone from an event or late-night study session can be nerve-wracking, but Ohio Wesleyan has a program in place to ensure students always know who to call.

The Safewalk program is designed to provide safe escort to members of the Ohio Wesleyan community, and it has been fulfilling that mission for at least ten years. Between 7 p.m. and midnight, pairs of Safewalkers are available to make walks in the dark less stressful. A distinctive feature of this program is that it employs students to help maintain campus security. Public Safety provides work for students with or without work study, making it a popular option for international students. Logan Wolfe, a student employee, says, “We have a diverse group that works for Public Safety.” Employees act as Safewalkers, but also as an extra set of eyes and ears. They check fire safety, card swipe readers, and emergency phones in addition to reporting policy violations and patrolling campus. “They’re out and about,” says Sergeant Chris Mickens. “In a sense, they’re very much on the front lines.”

Like the front lines, there is some risk and discomfort associated with a position in Public Safety. “My position takes courage,” Wolfe says.  “Every once in a while, I am faced with issues and have to improvise and deal with the situation in a professional manner. We are treated like adults on this job.”

In particular, dispatching calls can be tricky. “They are the phone line between students and officers,” Mickens says. It’s the most important student position on campus. Period.” It may be one of the most stressful as well. “You could have anything from ‘What’s the score of the soccer game?’ to a fire to a sexual assault.” Until you pick up the phone, you just never know.”

“It takes pride to work in my position,” Wolfe says. Though the routine can be dull, there is satisfaction in knowing that the job is critical to campus safety.” Whether they’re out and about or right beside you, the students and officers are keeping their eyes and ears open, helping to provide every member of the Ohio Wesleyan community a safe walk.

– Abby Dockter ’12