By NICOLE FOSTER
Staff Writer
The College of Saint Rose offers a free, 24-hour escort service. No, Deuce Bigelow isn’t on call, but Campus Security is. Saint Rose Security offers around-the-clock escorts from anywhere on campus. Regardless of what time of day or night it is, an officer is nearby and ready to walk or ride their bike to ensure students, staff, and faculty arrive to their destinations safely.
Though the crime rate in Pine Hills is relatively low, the fall semester always brings a rash of offenses. New students aren’t always aware of how careful they need to be, especially if they are coming to Albany from rural areas. Walking while distracted by electronics, texting, and wearing earbuds puts people at risk.
“Criminals look for opportunities,” said Director of Safety Steven Stella. “Our goal is not to make people paranoid, but prudent.”
Members of Campus Security are comprised of retired police officers, one police sergeant, and six retired New York State corrections officers. Stella, 60, came to the College 13 years ago as a retired commander of the Albany Police Department. He is warm, inviting, and loves sharing photos of his granddaughter. He also genuinely cares about the safety of each Golden Knight.
“If a student needs help, we want them to call us,” said Stella. “Students come to Saint Rose for a formal education. We try to give them an informal education about street smarts.”
All nine Campus Security supervisors have either current New York State Police Certification or have completed 334 hours of thorough training courses at the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Academy. Each security member carries a collapsible baton and pepper spray.
Carl Young has been at Saint Rose for six years after working as a corrections officer. He surveys the campus during daytime hours and therefore doesn’t receive many requests to chaperone, but still offers sound advice.
“Always walk in groups or pairs and be aware of your surroundings,” he said.
Senior Samantha Flanigan, 21, has the number for campus security programmed in her phone. She has taken several night classes and carries pepper spray with her.
“During the day I don’t worry, but by November, it’s dark after class,” she said. “I used to be scared walking from Albertus to the parking lot across the street. I would wish I had someone to walk with me.”
Junior Maria Hartz, 20, is a resident assistant in Brubacher Hall and has used the security escort since the semester began.
“I’ve known about it since coming to college, as it’s something security stresses to use. I use it whenever I’m going somewhere on campus late and by myself, usually to visit friends on the main part of campus.”
If students aren’t going to use the escort service, Stella advises they always travel in a group, be aware of surroundings, and take immediate action if something doesn’t seem right. He emphasizes the importance of listening to intuition.
“Use a call box, go in to a building where people are, call security,” said Stella. “It’s a community watch model that we want everybody to use.”
Though some students may feel strange about acquiring a body guard to walk them across campus, Hartz urges them to embrace the amenity.
“I’ve definitely never felt weird about calling for an escort, and other students shouldn’t, either,” she said. “It’s what they are there for!”
Another system created to ensure students arrive to their destination in one piece is the Transportation Voucher. They are a small piece of paper and can be signed out at Campus Security. The voucher works exclusively with Yellow Cab and acts as cash if one finds themselves stranded without any money.
Rather than paying the taxi driver, simply hand over the voucher and the cost of the ride is added to the student’s Saint Rose account. Security members suggest students sign out more than one and stick them in their wallets.
Stella would like to see all commuters obtain parking passes rather than find spots on the streets. Not only is security a benefit since all areas of campus are patrolled, but street parking is often accompanied by fines as the city adamantly regulates parking.
All members of the Saint Rose community are advised to never leave property unattended, stay out of Washington Park after dark, and above all else, call Campus Security at any time. The people there are waiting to help.
“Whenever you’re alone, call us,” said Stella. “Be careful. Try to bring a buddy. Be on your guard. Be assertive.”
