Whether they’re walking in pairs dressed in bright red shirts or driving a golf cart, members of the Huskie Student Patrol are some of the people on campus working to keep NIU students safe.

The Huskie Patrol, started in 1996, is operated by 21 student-employees who work closely with the University Police by observing and reporting suspicious activity from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weeknights. The Huskie Student Patrol also offers a “Walk Safe” service for students who do not wish to walk alone.

The organization’s main responsibility is to report activity in the west parking lots near the residence halls, said Jeff, a team leader for the student patrol who asked that his last name not be used. On average, he said, there are eight to 10 people who work during each shift – 6 to 10 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The patrol also has a formal meeting each week with campus sergeants and in the future plans to have all its members trained in CPR and automatic external defibrillation.

There are also 44 officers on campus whose goal is to build trustful relationships with students to prevent crime, Sgt. Curtis Young said.

Young said there are two officers and one detective assigned to each of the residence halls, which all contain a safety center.

The NIU Department of Public Safety offers the Late Night Ride Service and a Motorist Assistance Program to enhance student safety. The NIU TipLine also is available for students to anonymously report any activity they suspect may be unsafe by calling 753-TIPS or by e-mailing [email protected].

There also are 33 emergency call boxes around campus available for students who need immediate assistance from the police.

The boxes, which have been on campus for about 15 years, are rarely used but are checked on a weekly basis, said Lt. Deborrah Pettit. If an emergency call box is used, officers respond in an emergency fashion, arriving to the site anywhere between 30 and 90 seconds, she said.

To enhance student safety on and off campus, Brooks Donner, director of Special Activities Services Group in Atlanta, recommended students purchase a self-defense product such as pepper spray, a personal alarm or a safety light.

“Imagine biting into a very hot pepper, times 1,000,” Donner said. “If you’re sprayed with this pepper spray in your face, you involuntarily shut your eyes and have a lot of trouble breathing. Since your eyes are closed, you lose balance.”

Donner said a personal alarm also is an effective way to stop an aggressor from attacking you up close.

Like pepper spray, a personal alarm can be carried on a key chain, in one’s pocket or in a purse. The alarm is an electronic device, activated by pushing a button, which will draw attention to the situation, Donner said.

A safety light is another product which can also be attached to a key chain. Donner said this is a super-bright light students can use to light their way in dark areas of campus.

Safety tips for on and off campus

– Be aware of your surroundings and be familiar with campus.

– Stay in well-lit places where there are people.

– Travel in groups and don’t walk alone.

– If alone at night, let friends or family know where you are.

– Carry a cell phone.

– Be proactive with the campus police.

– Carry and be able to use a self-defense tool.

Source: S.A.S. Group

Department of Public Safety contact numbers

Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency and motorist assistance program: 753-1212

Huskie Student Patrol and Late Night Ride service: 753-2222

Walk Safe escorts: 753-9679