Dinner was served with a side of safety in the Marketplace Monday night. The Duke University Police Department sponsored Tips n’ Treats—an informal meet and greet where students could pick up some sweets and talk to DUPD officers about various safety concerns and precautions—in light of recent robberies in and around Duke’s campus. DUPD Chief John Dailey and Crime Prevention Manager David Williams were joined by two other officers in answering students’ questions. Students were also given highlighters and wallet-sized emergency information cards with DUPD’s contact information and various tips. Officers said Tips n’ Treats distributed over 300 emergency information cards to students. The Chronicle’s Nicole Kyle spoke to officers and freshman attendees about their thoughts on campus safety. Tips n’ Treats will be at Devil’s Bistro on Central Campus Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., and the final session will take place at the Bryan Center entrance Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
“In light of recent activity, we’re going to beef up patrols. The biggest thing we can do is to be more visible and be available. We’re looking out for the whole University community.”
— DUPD Investigator Marshall Thompson
“I feel very safe as long as I’m inside the wall. I’m not too concerned about crime outside campus because you can get that in any city, though what happened [outside Jarvis Dormitory] had me worried. But all things considered, I feel pretty safe.”
—Charlie Arentzen, freshman
“[Tips n’ Treats] is good for reinforcement. Campus is on the whole safe—it’s always been safe—but we need to make sure students are aware and we need to be alerted of any fears they may have. Most of them say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m safe,’ but we want to make sure.”
—DUPD Crime Prevention Manager David Williams
“We have been taking precautions since the beginning of the year when we go out. I think people should be aware that [crime] happens, and that it could happen to you.”
—Becky Davis, freshman
“These incidents have been really isolated. What we want is for people to be aware of behaviors to minimize risk, like traveling in pairs or groups at night.... We’re happy to have this opportunity to hear from the students.”
—DUPD Chief John Dailey
“Last night I was walking back alone from Lilly [Library] at 12:30 [a.m.] and I mean, I never felt unsafe.”
—Colin Scott, freshman
“I still feel safe. We were walking down Ninth Street the other night as it started to get dark, and it was fine. Other than the usual walking in a group, we’re not doing anything too different.”
—Mike Potts, freshman
“Students shouldn’t be afraid to report things—you can report things anonymously. Don’t hesitate to call something in just because you’re afraid you might be wrong or be embarrassed. We’ll take the embarrassment for you, we’ll check their I.D. and if they’re supposed to be there, we’ll take care of it.”
—DUPD Lt. Shannan Tiffin
“I took self-defense in high school, so I feel pretty confident I’d be OK.”
—Peyton Kramp, freshman
“I feel completely safe on campus—and anytime I’m walking to and from Shooters.”
—Glenn Rivkees, freshman
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