New Orleans is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, yet students, parents and faculty continue to boast about how safe they feel on campus and in the area. Loyola Univerity New Orleans is listed among top universities such as Columbia, Tufts and American University as one of the safest schools in the nation. In a March 2008 Reader’s Digest, Loyola received an “A”rating for its safety record and ranked the 37th safest campus, placing it in the top third of the surveyed universities.
Lieutenant Angela Honora of Loyola Crime Prevention has been serving the Loyola community for 15 years. Lt. Honora said she is proud to serve the Loyola community and believes campus security is continuously improving. Honora is most concerned with the theft on campus.
She stressed the importance of not leaving valuables unattended especially in the library and residence halls. “This has been our biggest problem thus far,” Honora said. “[The] theft of laptops, iPods, cell phones and other valuable personal items left unattended.We don’t have a lot of major crime here, we have a lot more petty crime.”
Honora said that though there are more than 80 closed circuit cameras operating on campus, some theft is beyond camera visibility and there have been problems in the past with people damaging the cameras.
“Don’t count on the cameras to keep your valuables safe,” Honora said.
Last year, 33 personal personal thefts, eight thefts of university property, one burglary and one attempted burglary were reported to campus police.
“All campus has 24/7 coverage,” Honora said. “The officers are armed, highly trained and commissioned through the state of Lousiana.” Honora said Loyola officers receive Louisiana Police Officer Standard Training certificates as well as further training such as domestic violence training, firearms training and “shoot don’t shoot;” a hands on exercise designed to teach officers when to shoot and when to hold back.
If a student is in need but unable to physically reach a campus officer, Honora recommends using the numerous 911 call boxes dispersed throughout campus or calling campus police at 504-865-3434. If calling from a campus phone, just dial 3434, or 911 and the call will be directed to Loyola’s public safety office.
When going out, Honora recommends that students go in groups of more than two and stick together. If a driver is needed, she suggests students choose a designated driver before leaving campus. Honora also advises students to take the smallest amount of cash necessary.
Loyola’s Public Safety and University Police website promotes preventative measures and making awareness a top priority.
Honora said, “During Freshmen orientation they show students a tape on active shooting, as well as any group that requests information.
Honora runs the Rape Agression Defense System program, along with fellow Officer Mary Booth. The self-defense course is offered to women on campus. Men on campus may participate in self defense courses at the university’s Rec Plex or in the Tulane RADS program that is also offered to men.
For more information on campus security please visit http://www.loyno.edu/police
Elle Maloney can be reached at [email protected]
