Security and police intensify presence after more students complain of verbal abuse and threats from vehicles
Sarah Carracher
Staff Writer
The obligatory Beall Ave. encounter with a heckler is sadly almost a Wooster rite of passage. Though some students have resigned themselves to being catcalled, it may sometimes evolve into slightly more dangerous activity. In all cases, Security and Protective Services (SPS) deems the incidents “quality of life issues,” and are stepping up their security presence in response.
On Jan. 29, Dean of Students Kurt Holmes sent an email to inform the student body of the increased appearance of marked vehicles on campus in response to heckling, which has ranged from discriminatory or threatening language to random “heys” or laughter. According to Chief Steven Glick, Director of SPS, they are also concerned about more dangerous incidents and threats: students being struck by objects thrown from cars and vehicles running the light in front of Lowry. Other serious cases include suspicious people walking around campus, including an instance in which someone attempted to follow a student to their dormitory.
Though heckling has always been a problem on Beall and other campus roads, the number of incidents has apparently increased, prompting SPS to use two new marked security vehicles to discourage bothersome or criminal behavior.
“We noticed a sudden upsurge in incidents since the start of spring semester,” Glick said. However, much of this increase may be due to students previously not reporting the incidents.
“We found out about more incidents after the Dean’s Office put the email out,” explained Glick. “So far this semester, only one instance reported involved an actual crime. We also received information about occurrences last semester that weren’t reported.”
SPS is working with the Wooster Police Department as well as The Ohio State University Police Department to dissuade heckling and harassment incidents, as well as to solve cases that have been reported. The OSU Police Department is currently following a lead on a case thanks to a Wooster student’s prompt report of an incident. In this case, SPS was able to identify a truck that is believed to belong to an OSU student.
Chief Glick notes that their chances of apprehending someone who has heckled or harassed a student greatly increases if the student quickly reports the incident. If you are harassed, it is important to try to record details of the vehicle and the license plate, if possible. He further suggests that individuals walk facing the oncoming traffic, so students will be more aware of what is heading their way and can react accordingly. This further enables a student to get a car’s license plate number if any incidents do occur.
Glick suggested that students walk in groups (especially after dark), keep any bags and personal items close to their bodies, and walk with confidence. In the case of a close physical attack, he advises students to defend themselves and to draw as much attention as possible by making noise.
For quick assistance, students should call SPS’s phone number, (330) 287-3333. Additionally, students should call whenever they experience or witness negative or suspicious activity.