TUPD, students speak about safety on campus

As students prepare for the fall semester, the Troy University Police Department (TUPD) is reminding everyone that campus safety starts with awareness. Whether walking alone after a late-night study session or heading home after an evening out, officers say several resources are available to help students stay safe.

TUPD Chief George Beaudry said there are several safety resources and services available through the campus police department. One of those offered services is a safety escort.

“If a student is alone at the library late at night and doesn’t feel comfortable walking back to their residence hall, we’ll send an officer to walk with them wherever they need to go on campus,” Beaudry said.

The department also encourages students to lock their vehicles, stay aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night whenever possible.

For those who are unable to drive home safely, Beaudry urged students to use TUPD’s Choose Your Ride program. The program was created during 2024’s spring semester with the goal of keeping students who have been drinking safe and off the road.

“If students go to a party or a bar, we don’t want them driving,” Beaudry said. “We tell them to call us.

“As long as they call us before getting behind the wheel, we’ll pick them up and make sure they get home safely.”

A TUPD Choose Your Ride car waits for students who may need help.

University Relations photo

Students who are not of the legal age to drink will be picked up but will later be referred to Student Services for disciplinary action.

While university police say those resources are open and available to help students, some students believe campus safety communication could be improved.

“I feel like the university does a pretty good job communicating via email even though the system is spotty and can mess up at times,” said Dante Hunt, a junior risk management and insurance major from Huntsville, Alabama. “I do think that they should always remind students of all of the resources they have in front of them.”

Students can also download the Omnilert safety app to receive emergency alerts and important campus information on their phones. The app includes a panic button to alertfirst responders, anonymous tip reporting, campus safety resources such as maps and evacuation plans and SafeWalk, which allows users to share a timed route and their location with trusted contacts.

Sarah Easter, a junior exercise science major from Ozark, Alabama, said incoming students can take simple steps, like downloading Omnilert, to help keep themselves safe.

“Be aware when you’re going on walks, especially as a woman,” Easter said. “The world can be a crazy place, even in a small town like Troy.

“Pay attention to your emails in case there’s an email about safety information, and definitely get the Omnilert app. It’s one of the best resources the campus has to offer.

“Lastly, don’t get blackout drunk. Yes, college nightlife can be fun, but it’s not worth the potential risks.”

Students interested in contacting TUPD can email Chief Beaudry at troychief@troy.edu , call 334-670-3215 for the non-emergency line, or visit them at 400 Pell Avenue. Additionally, those interested in downloading the Omnilert app can find it in their app store.