ASU and Phoenix police said while they are pleased with their Downtown campus security model this semester, the challenges of a new urban campus and connecting with students still exist.
"I'm delighted with our partnership with the Phoenix police," said ASU police Commander Rich Wilson. "We are committed to devoting resources to have a safe campus."
ASU police has 23 police aides on staff at the campus, but Phoenix police officers are also present on-site as well, Wilson said.
The aides are on campus at all times at the University Center and the Residential Commons, and the Phoenix police officers patrol the campus as part of their normal beat within the city, Wilson said.
"I feel safe [on campus] always," said Kalethea Smith-Washington, an English freshman and Downtown campus resident.
Smith-Washington works at the University Center library in the evenings and appreciates that police aides are available.
"When I get off of work, it is pitch black, but there are always two guys to walk me back [to the Residential Commons]," Smith-Washington said.
Phoenix police Lt. Angela Ortiz said in order to provide a safe environment for students, it is important to have a highly visible police presence.
Raphael Hyde, an undeclared freshman and Downtown campus resident, said he agrees that campus security is important.
"I think it [the campus] is really safe," Hyde said. "It's like 'Pleasantville' for me."
He added, however, sometimes the residence hall feels like it has too much security and the students are watched too much.
"It should be a college experience - not day care," he said.
But Wilson said he would rather err on the side of caution and have more security to provide a safe environment for the students, rather than not have enough.
Journalism freshman and Downtown resident Kennesha Jackson said there is a visible police presence, but it is appreciated.
Jackson said on one occasion early in the semester, a homeless person followed her into the Residential Commons and went up the stairs.
Once the police aides were contacted, the man was removed from the residence hall quickly, Jackson said.
Access to the building is limited to two entryways that have security present, Wilson said.
"In order to get in, you have to go by the front desk," Jackson said.
The hall used to be a Ramada Inn and the man may not have realized it was an ASU residence hall now, Jackson said.
The homeless are a part of downtown Phoenix's population due to the social services provided in the city, Wilson said.
The University Center is a public facility, so anyone can use the building as long as he or she is not engaging in disruptive behavior or being a nuisance, he said.
He added only residents can enter the residence hall because it is a residential structure. He also acknowledged the confusion with the Ramada Inn.
The key is for current downtown and the new ASU population to have mutual respect, Wilson said.
On Nov. 21, ASU and Phoenix police hosted a town hall safety meeting open to faculty and students.
When asked how the police can improve their current model, Wilson said they need to connect better with students.
About 25 officers and ASU faculty were present, but no students attended the town hall meeting.
However, Jackson said he thinks police are connecting with students.
"The police here are cool," Jackson said. "They talk to you and are nice."
Reach the reporter at: Jeffrey.Mitchell@asu.edu
