The University Senate Student Affairs Committee (SAC) has released a list of changes that Public Safety will be making to its policy and procedures as a result of the Quality of Life survey. On the Morningside campus, Public Safety will be concentrating roving patrols on the north end of campus at night, providing reflective vests for officers on foot to “increase visibility to the Columbia Community” (as if the video cameras and constant patrols aren’t incredibly visible already), and adding “high visibility motorized patrols” near Amsterdam.
They will also be changing their training to include “refresher training on effective interpersonal communications, appearance, perception, and professionalism” with role plays and exercises. Looking forward to those sure-to-be scintillating swipe-in conversations. Other updates to the training will possibly include the implementation of trans identity-based sensitivity training for personnel. They’ll be meeting with GendeRev to discuss the best way to go about this.
Other improvements will be to the shuttle service and text messaging system in order to “enhance communication among the Columbia Community.”
5 Comments
@Anonamoose I don’t think your sarcasm and cynicism are warranted, Bwog.
Columbia is responding to student concerns in a tangible way. Shouldn’t that make you happy?
@Nope This isn’t well thought out. More patrols on the north end is a waste of human resources considering the only “crime” there at night is pot smoking behind Mudd. As for reflective vests, the problem isn’t that we don’t see public safety out but that they aren’t out. I’m more likely to run into security patrolling Pupin at 2am than I am to see them outdoors.
No amount of sensitivity training will change someone’s personality. Sticking the old fart who won’t say a word to you while he scans IDs in a training class won’t help. Columbia needs to hire better people and deal with the ones who are a problem. You can’t polish a turd.
While on that note, how the hell is someone my grandpa’s age going to stop a crime? Some of these dudes don’t look, act, or sound like they could contribute in any meaningful way to addressing an emergency. If Columbia wants it’s community’s confidence in public safety they should hire proficient officers up to par with NYC cops, not angry old men in reflective vests.
@CC15 rude.
@GS14 They’re hiring. You should apply, and show them how it’s done!
What’s that? You’re not enthusiastic about working long hours at low pay in service of people such as yourself?
Well now you know how they feel.
@Anonymous Re: intercampus shuttle. As someone with a late class in Prentis, this thing was a godsend. After a little digging, I found out that one of them even ******goes to 96th st******. Everyone should know about it and the quality of available maps and schedules is laughable.