2008 Woodie Awards
SAFEwalk ends from lack of interest, funds
Courtney Teague-Carter
Issue date: 1/30/08 Section: News
University Police have officially eliminated the SAFEWalk program on campus recently due to budget cuts and lack of student interest.
"After examining the volume of usage and comparing it to the cost, we decided to cut the program," University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said.
Kiederlen estimated to keep the program running costs the police department between $8,000-$9,000 a year, which pays the salaries of the program's employees.
Yet the number of students actively using the program did not reflect a real need or want to see the program sustained on campus.
With the program now eliminated, Kiederlen has transferred the responsibilities of the students in the program to the police staff.
"I want people to be reassured that while the program itself no longer exists, the service it provided is still available," he said. "On-duty officers will be available to escort students during the same times SAFEWalk operated."
Whitewater Student Government is currently working with University Police to find new ways to keep students safe on campus and possibly bring back the SAFEWalk program.
"We're looking for creative ways to get the program to be able to be used by students," WSG Director of Academic Affairs Justin O'Rourke said. "At the same time we are searching for an alternative."
Other safety initiatives being explored in lieu of SAFEWalk include a late-night ride service, which would offer students free rides to various locations throughout the city.
The possible bus service is still being debated, with many members of WSG in support of it, but the idea has yet to be formally presented to Student Affairs.
"Our only obstacle is funding," O'Rourke said. "In spite of that, this service can be really useful and may prove to be worthwhile."
"After examining the volume of usage and comparing it to the cost, we decided to cut the program," University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said.
Kiederlen estimated to keep the program running costs the police department between $8,000-$9,000 a year, which pays the salaries of the program's employees.
Yet the number of students actively using the program did not reflect a real need or want to see the program sustained on campus.
With the program now eliminated, Kiederlen has transferred the responsibilities of the students in the program to the police staff.
"I want people to be reassured that while the program itself no longer exists, the service it provided is still available," he said. "On-duty officers will be available to escort students during the same times SAFEWalk operated."
Whitewater Student Government is currently working with University Police to find new ways to keep students safe on campus and possibly bring back the SAFEWalk program.
"We're looking for creative ways to get the program to be able to be used by students," WSG Director of Academic Affairs Justin O'Rourke said. "At the same time we are searching for an alternative."
Other safety initiatives being explored in lieu of SAFEWalk include a late-night ride service, which would offer students free rides to various locations throughout the city.
The possible bus service is still being debated, with many members of WSG in support of it, but the idea has yet to be formally presented to Student Affairs.
"Our only obstacle is funding," O'Rourke said. "In spite of that, this service can be really useful and may prove to be worthwhile."
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