As the semester draws to an end, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind each of you what we are doing to ensure a safe campus, as well as the role you play in limiting the opportunities for criminal activity to occur.

With numerous activities underway to address current safety concerns, Georgia Tech continues to take an aggressive stance in providing for a secure campus. Most recently, the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) initiated enhanced joint patrols around our campus. In addition, the Atlanta Police Department has tripled the number of officers in the surrounding area during the late and early morning hours. Each of these patrols includes both uniformed and plain clothes officers.

This is in addition to an extensive education and communications campaign intended to keep students both aware and vigilant. As a result, we’ve seen positive results from our policing strategy, which has led to an overall decrease in crime on campus.

Ultimately, crime prevention is about people, not statistics, and we will continue to take the steps necessary to improve safety for the Georgia Tech community. I want to emphasize that each of you take the precautions to look out for your safety and the safety of others. Those of you who are studying or working on campus late at night are also encouraged to travel with others. You may also use the Stingerette (stingerette.com or 404-385-7433) or contact GTPD (404-894-2501) to get a safe ride home.

GTPD depends on the campus community to be an active participant in maintaining a safe campus environment. However, we need students to partner in our efforts. The ongoing campaign, "See Something, Say Something," reminds the campus community to report any concerns to the GTPD at 404-894-2500 as quickly as possible.

Good luck on finals,

Bill Schafer
Vice President for Student Affairs