Officers offer safety tips for off-campus students, parents

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The capital city is home to four major colleges and universities, with more and more students from Allen University, Benedict College, Columbia College, and USC living off campus (and on their own) for the first time.

With thousands of students choosing off-campus housing and apartments, ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams spoke with local law enforcement about their ongoing safety needs.

Officers say isolated incidents of crime can and will occur, but there are multiple ways to help prevent oneself from becoming a victim.

Captain Jeffrey Brink with the Columbia Police Department says his fellow officers heavily patrol the downtown and Southeast regions of the city, and do their best to have good relationships with all apartment management.

“I think the more they’re accustomed to knowing the police are here to assist and having confidence in us to do our job, I think that plays a huge role,” he says.

First tip? Don’t be afraid to dial 911 in an emergency situation.

If you are leaving your residence, he says always lock your home, windows, and cars.

And if you venture out for entertainment, he says it’s best to never walk home alone.

“We see a lot of students walking alone, we prefer they walk with a friend, kind of a buddy system, and stay in well lit areas off of the roadway,” Brink says.

Loose items should never be left in the yard, or visible in your vehicle, says Master Police Officer Jasper Stephenson, part of CPD’s Community Response Team.

“(Theft will) still happen, but unfortunately we have to remind people sometimes, ‘Hey, don’t give them the opportunity,”‘ says Stephenson.

He and other officers are leaving hangers on the doors of student renters to remind them about the risk of property crime and how they can prevent it, specifically while they’re away from home in class.

“We try to drive home the point, secure your property, lock your doors, lock your windows, lock your cars, and if you see anything call us,” says Brink.

Another way to feel more safe in your new home? Meet your neighbors!

“Create an open dialogue with their neighbors, exchange phone numbers in case anything were to occur, or if there’s a situation they can contact them directly,” Brink says.

Williams asked Brink if he thought carrying mace, or a similar item is encouraged for someone traveling alone.

“There’s nothing wrong with having some kind of defense system, as long as it’s lawful and can be taken into areas where they’re traveling,” he says.

Lastly, students and parents are always encouraged to get to know their local officers and build a relationship with them.

Regarding house parties, Captain Brink also says residents should abide by the 11 p.m. noise ordinance, and check with the City of Columbia for further details, or submit a loud noise report here.