Purdue police give safety reminder after reported incidents
October 10, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University police want to remind students to think safety and use available campus resources, including emergency call boxes, should the need ever arise.
On two separate occasions in September, police were called to two sorority houses in the 800 block of David Ross Road for reports of a suspicious man lurking near room windows. According to a police report, the first incident occurred during the early morning hours of Sept. 7. The second incident reportedly occurred around 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at a different sorority in the same block and was the third time members had seen the man. The suspect in both instances is described as a white male wearing dark-colored clothing.
With the upcoming fall break on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 13 and 14), fewer students will be on campus, making it particularly important for those remaining to be mindful of their surroundings, said Purdue police Capt. Eric Chin. He also reminded those students leaving for break to be certain their residences and personal belongings are secured. Officers and student patrol members will increase their patrols during the break.
Chin said anyone who sees suspicious activity should call police immediately. The campus community now has the option to text 911 or dial the number and speak with a dispatcher to receive emergency assistance. The university also has more than 300 call boxes placed throughout campus. The WeTip anonymous hotline, which is used by all Greater Lafayette law enforcement agencies, also is available at 1-800-78CRIME (1-800-782-7463).
Police also encourage use of the campus Safe Walk program, which provides escorts around campus 24-hours a day, seven days a week, at 494-SAFE. Additional resources can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/police/reports/YourCampus.pdf.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: Eric Chin, 765-494-8221, ehchin@purdue.edu
