Campus security will reach new heights this semester with the addition of a police substation.
"Last semester we were approached by the Auburn city police department with a request for a greater presence of campus," said Ainsley Carry, vice president of Student Affairs.
The substation will be in the Student Center beside the Tiger Transit booth and will fill the space set aside for the proposed on-campus bike shop.
"After further discussion and discussions with those who were advocating the bike shop operation, we decided to relocate the bike shop operation and create in the Student Center a location for a police substation," Carry said.
Lindy Biggs, director of the Office of Sustainability and a moving force behind the bike shop, said she agrees the police substation takes priority.
"I'm disappointed, but it's pretty important to have the police presence on campus with so many things that have happened in the last couple of years," Biggs said. "I certainly can't say that a bike shop is more important than a police station."
However, all is not lost for the campus bike shop.
"We do have a commitment to the bike shop happening," Carry said.
The Auburn Bicycle Committee, members of the SGA, Carry and others are in discussion about where the bike shop should be located.
Biggs said she is hoping to keep it near central campus to ensure the most convenience for students.
"It needs to be easily accessible by people who are on bikes--we don't want it way out on Wire Road or something because if somebody has a flat tire they have to be able to walk their bike to the bike shop," Biggs said.
In the meantime, the police substation will probably be open by mid-March, Carry said.
Tommy Dawson, Auburn police chief, said the substation is going to provide multiple benefits.
"Our goal is eventually have it 24 hours a day...but definitely during class hours," Dawson said. "So if a student has a question or needs to file a report, there's no need to come down here any longer, no need to do anything but simply stop in."
Dawson also said they want to encourage students to stop by and chat, offer input or ideas and just get to know the Auburn police force.
This greater level of safety on campus may offer another benefit for students--extended Student Center hours.
"If we have a police presence in the building, it gives us the opportunity to keep it open later because we have security personnel nearby," Carry said.
The new substation hours aren't set, but Carry said he anticipates someone being around to respond to on-campus calls for a good portion of the day and evening.
As for the bike shop, students are going to have to wait a little longer for the repair and maintenance shop that has been so long in the works.
"This semester we're going to identify the location, go back to student government with the two or three location opportunities, let them decide which one they like and then begin renovation on that," Carry said.
Biggs said they expect to have it open by fall 2011 at the latest.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
