Push for Safety Call Box Initiative

The idea for the installation of call boxes in West Campus came from an alarming rise in crime in the area. The Tappee class of 2005-2006 decided to take on student safety as their Tappee Project, designed to impact the campus and greater Austin community. The focus in the spring of 2006 was to raise awareness. Facebook groups were created, an online petition was circulated and donations were solicited from family, friends and the community. A large awareness rally was held in April of 2006 in Anna Hiss Gym to highlight the need for greater safety awareness and promote the call box idea to the student body.

On the UT campus, officers responded to the following calls received via callboxes or callbox alarm calls:

• 2001 Calendar Year: 350
• 2002 Calendar Year: 241
• 2003 Calendar Year: 349
• 2004 Calendar Year: 412
• 2005 Calendar Year: 393

In addition, between Jan. 1, 2005, and Oct. 31, 2005, in the 78705 zip code that includes West Campus, police reported the following crime statistics: 2 murders; 11 rapes; 10 robberies; 26 aggravated assaults; 152 burglaries; 1,157 thefts; 104 motor vehicle thefts and 2 arson reports.

Working with the City of Austin and the University through countless ups and downs, the call boxes became a reality. AT&T donated the cost of the call boxes and Cingular Wireless agreed to provide the wireless network. Capital Metro is generously providing the maintenance and upkeep of the callboxes. The Austin Police Department will be monitoring the call boxes and responding to emergency calls. While neither The University of Texas nor Orange Jackets retain any ownership over the callboxes, they remain an important part of student life and a reminder of the success of student activism.

The callboxes are located near bus stops at the following locations:

• San Gabriel and 23rd
• San Gabriel and 25th
• Pearl and 26th
• Pearl and 22nd
• Rio Grande and 26th
• Rio Grande and 22nd

Call boxes are meant to increase awareness of safety, serve as a deterrent for crime, and provide an easily accessible means for students to call 911 for any emergency situation. It is important that students take the initiative to protect this valuable campus resource and use the callboxes appropriately.

A press conference to announce the callboxes will be held on Sep. 27, 2006, at 10 a.m. in the Gregory Games Room. There will also be an awareness rally on the West Mall on Oct. 12 to promote the callboxes and provide additional information. To view the Student Government resolution AR8 on the issue, please follow this link. Please contact Alia Avidan or Katie Naranjo for more information.