The Huskie Patrol is on the prowl. Every weeknight, its presence helps to deter would-be criminals.

“Their primary objective, at this point, is that they serve as an extra set of eyes for us,” said Lt. Matt Kiederlen of University Police. “They’re extremely effective.”

With a direct radio link to University Police, the Huskie Patrol splits into groups of two or three and protects its five territories encompassing campus.

Trained in public relations, first-aid and radio usage, the foot patrol primarily keeps an eye on safety in campus buildings and parking lots.

The Huskie Patrol is made up of student employees working in two four-hour shifts, running from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. On a normal night, members of the patrol test emergency call boxes and pass the time chatting as they walk around campus.

“A better night is when we see nothing at all. We’d rather be seen and prevent something than seeing something happen,” said Kevin McGee, Huskie Patrol team leader and senior OMIS major.

When the patrol does see criminal activity, University Police is immediately notified.

“They have no more authority than an ordinary citizen,” Kiederlen said. “But it makes perfect sense for the individual to heed them, so [University Police] don’t have to get involved.”

In the spring 2003 semester, the Huskie Patrol was eliminated by the tightened budget. Once people found out, Kiederlen said, NIU experienced a rash of vehicle damage that demonstrated the need for the service.

“We’re going to try hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Kiederlen said of the budget cut. “We have allocated resources to what we see as our priorities.”

The Huskie Patrol also provides security escorts to people around campus. Kiederlen said the service is something that University Police cannot routinely provide, but is a customer service function of the university that is invaluable to those who need it.