As a new crop of Cornhuskers arrives at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University Police is doing its best to make sure students stay safe throughout the school year.
"We have been busy," said Capt. Carl Oestmann. "Some changes have been made and we're trying to gear up for what should be a great year."
Police spent the summer upgrading outdated camera equipment around campus and focusing on some big events such as commencement and traffic training in preparation for the completion of the Antelope Valley Project, which will change much of the traffic flow in and around campus.
Construction work on campus temporarily closed R Street and currently has 16th Street down to one lane between Y and Vine streets, which means increased patrol around those areas for the time being. In addition, a permanent median will be added to Y Street at 17th Street, prohibiting a left-hand turn from 17th Street onto Y Street in front of the Abel-Sandoz residence halls, police said.
Along with the cameras, police added four Segway vehicles to their fleet in order to more efficiently patrol large crowds, such as during Husker football games. The Segways have already hit the streets and are sure to draw some added attention from students and faculty alike.
"(The Segways) are a great tool for us," Oestmann said. "Officers are able to be seen and they are more approachable and available to people."
Three officers on Segways will circle the stadium and its surrounding parking lots for the first football game Aug. 30, Oestmann said.
The university has also been working hard, acquiring two properties at 1001 and 1101 Y Street. In doing so, University Police gains more ground to cover on a daily basis, police said.
Police are working hard to become more available to students and to get the word out about the services that are available, such as UNL Alert.
UNL Alert is a program through University Police that allows students and faculty to receive e-mails and text messages about breaking news or emergencies on campus. Additional information and sign-up is available at the University Police's Web site, http://police.unl.edu.
Officers have been meeting with resident assistants and will also be going floor to floor in the dorms, giving new students a chance to learn some helpful safety tips for their college
experience, police said.
The crime most frequently seen on campus is theft, and it is always important for students to lock their valuables at all times, especially during the first hectic week when most students are moving in.
So far, things on campus have been looking normal for this time of year, and police are aiming to keep it that way.
"Last year went very well," Oestmann said. "Hopefully it will be a quiet year crime wise."
evancotten@dailynebraskan.com
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