The SGA announced plans this week for Crimson Watch, an off-campus housing safety initiative coordinated with UAPD and Crimson Choice.
“Crimson Watch is similar to the neighborhood watch programs used in many communities, where residents communicate with one another and UAPD about any suspicious activity, neighborhood activities and block safety,” said Katie O’Laughlin, SGA press secretary.
UAPD plans to implement the program within the boundaries of their patrol routes. O’Laughlin said these boundaries will be split into three zones of more manageable size.
Crimson Watch is organized to facilitate ease of communication between UAPD and residents in the areas, said SGA member Carmen Groom.
“Each zone will have one zone leader who will receive information from UAPD to be passed along to the block captains in their zone. Each zone should have a different block captain for every block in the zone,” Groom said. “These block captains are responsible for receiving information from their zone leader and then communicating the information with the rest of the students living on their block.”
According to the September 18 SGA press release, Zone 1 consists of Jack Warner Parkway, 7th Street, 8th Street, 10th Avenue, 6th Street, Thomas Street and 11th Avenue.
Zone 2 encircles 7th Street, Queen City Avenue, 15th Street, 12th Avenue, Paul W. Bryant Drive, 10th Avenue and 8th Street.
Paul W. Bryant Drive, 12th Avenue, 15th Street and Hackberry Lane make up the final zone.
“All students living in one of the three zones are encouraged to participate by talking with your Crimson Watch zone captain and the UAPD officer assigned to their zone,” O’Laughlin said. “Crimson Watch creates open lines of communication between students, residents and police officials.”
UAPD Officer Andy Liles believes that this closer interaction and communication between students and police will result in safer neighborhoods.
“Getting involved with Crimson Watch is an excellent way for students to partner with UAPD to keep the neighborhoods around campus safer,” Liles said. “Like any neighborhood watch program, Crimson Watch depends on residents and police officers working together, and we look forward to getting to know the students in the various neighborhoods each year.”
O’Laughlin said UAPD plans to inform Crimson Watch of crime trends in their respective zones in an effort to create more aware residents and a safer neighborhood.
For students living outside of the Crimson Watch boundaries who are interested in making their areas safer, O’Laughlin advises being vigilant by implementing safety measures such as deadbolts, window locks and well-lit entryways. In addition, O’Laughlin suggests looking up your neighborhood’s watch program or forming your own.
“Get to know your neighbors, and look out for one another,” she said. “Never hesitate to contact the police if something is suspicious.”
It may be daunting for busy students to add one more thing to their plate, but getting involved in Crimson Watch or another neighborhood safety watch can be beneficial for all involved.
“It is important that students take an active role in the Crimson Watch program, because students are the key to the program’s success,” said Alan Rose, SGA Vice President for External Affairs, in the recent press release. “Safety remains a top concern for SGA, and we are focused on ensuring students are safe both on and off campus.”
