Students Aid Police in Patrolling VSU Campus

The Student Security Patrol is the newest result of the strategic planning process of Valdosta State University. The new student patroller program has trained student employees extending the visual presence of University Police.

Ten VSU students are currently employed and equipped with flashlights and radios. The student patrollers, which began their duties this month, are additional eyes and ears for campus police. Student patrollers are also aided by two utility terrain vehicles with which they will patrol the Oak Street parking lot and other areas as needed. The vehicles were approved as part of the Strategic Planning Budget Initiative, costing an estimated $26,000 for the pair.

The focus of the program is to have a larger presence of security on campus. Patrols are concentrated in areas around Oak Street and Centennial Hall and take place from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The students check buildings, make sure doors are locked, and serve as escorts.

"This is a response to VSU students wanting more police to cover the parking lots," said Scott Doner, director of University Police. "We may also use this new patrol for special events from time to time." Approval and funding for the initiative was requested by University Police.