Use of BU’s SafeWalk program low

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2024 (392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon University’s SafeWalk program, which has run in various forms for years, has been well-received while its usage remained relatively low, university’s spokesperson Grant Hamilton said.

Hamilton told the Sun despite the limited uptake, those who have used the service have expressed appreciation.

“We’ve had one or two people take advantage recently, but the feedback we’ve received from those who have used it is very positive,” Hamilton stated in an email. “It’s often the quality of the service that matters, not just the quantity.”

SafeWalk is a campus safety initiative designed to provide a secure, supportive service for individuals navigating the campus, especially during late hours or in uncertain situations.

The program allows students, staff, and visitors to request an escort from security personnel to help them safely reach their destination. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, SafeWalk ensures that “everyone on campus can move around with confidence, knowing that assistance is always just a call away.”

Hamilton explained the program continues to provide students, faculty, and staff with an added layer of safety as they navigate the campus, especially during late hours.

SafeWalk, he said, has been a longstanding feature at Brandon University, evolving over the years from a volunteer-run service to its current structure.

“Previously, an app offered a ‘buddy walk’ feature, allowing users to walk virtually with a friend, but it never gained much traction. Today, the service is operated through an external third-party contractor, Paladin Security, which provides security services on campus 24/7,” Hamilton added.

Although not heavily utilized in the past, Hamilton explained that SafeWalk is still an important option for those who feel the need for accompaniment.

“The campus is generally perceived as safe, but when incidents do occur, it draws attention to SafeWalk again,” he said. To address this, the university is stepping up efforts to raise awareness about the service.

Students, faculty, and staff can request a SafeWalk at any time by calling the security office at 204-727-9700. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with security personnel accompanying individuals to any location on campus, whether they are arriving, leaving, or heading to their parking spots, Hamilton said.

While there may be slight delays during busy times, security ensures that all requests are addressed, “If someone has specific concerns, like icy patches or a suspicious person, security will be prepared for those situations,” Hamilton added.

The university, he said, is open to feedback and suggestions for improving the SafeWalk initiative.

Brandon University Student Union president Charles Adamu did not respond to the Sun’s calls.

Tolu Oke, a fourth-year student at the university, said the SafeWalk program could become more relevant in the coming months.

“With more evening classes beginning in January, students would likely be finishing their classes later, making the SafeWalk service more useful,” she said. “So, with that, they will start making use of it.”

However, Oke also pointed out an issue that could affect the program’s usage: a lack of awareness among students.

“I never knew about SafeWalk and I have been on campus for about four years,” she said. “It’s never been publicized. Maybe it was unavailable for some time, but the thing is, it was never publicized to the students, so we didn’t know about it.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola