TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- ABC27 takes a look into the efforts around Florida State University to prevent sexual assault, following a weekend attack.
A sexual assault on a school campus raises concerns for many including students and their parents. FSU Police are addressing these concerns by beefing up security around the school following a sexual attack on campus.
"One of the things that we did is we told the officers to just increase their presence in that area. It's not a hard thing to do some more traffic stops. If you have a report to write, park your car there so people can see you. But also be out there because if that's where the bad guy likes to operate, we've just denied his safe area. There are cops everywhere," said Major James Russell with campus police.
There are several measures already in place to protect students on campus. One measure is the "blue emergency call box."
There are more than 400 around campus and they're designated with a blue light. All a student has to do is press the emergency button and they're automatically connected with a dispatcher on the other end.
The phone boxes are placed near most buildings on campus, following the theory that when you're at one box you should be able to see the next one.
The school is also no stranger to technology using a phone app to not only identify threats specific to individual students but to keep track of their movement around campus.
It's called the FSU Guardian. Major Russell explains.
"You can log in with your student ID and your student log in and password. You can put your information in there. You can give information about yourself if you have an ex-boyfriend you have a restraining order on, or if you have a medical condition, or if you want to upload your photo, you can do that. Anything you would want us to know if you had to call 9-1-1 is in there."
The app also allows you to set a timer to estimate how long it will take you to get from point A to point B.
Major Russell adds, "If something happens..you're injured, you have to divert your course because someone is following you, it will automatically call us. What we'll do is call you back almost like an alarm system. We'll ask if everything is o.k, what's your password. If you don't pick up or if the person who picks up doesn't know your passcode...we're coming."
Officers with the department are also very involved with the campaigns around campus. such as the NOMOR campaign and Males Advocating Responsible Conduct.
