Campus Security is always ready

This Halloween season, Roosevelt University’s Chicago Campus can expect to see more action, due to the new Wabash residence hall.  Campus Security is prepared, however, for any problems that arise from the increased activity.  Despite the holiday landing on a Wednesday, parties and events are expected to commence.

“Maybe there will be a little more activity,” said Maureen Froncek, director of Campus Safety and Transportation.

According to Froncek, there will be more patrols on campus, and security professionals will be extra aware of activities in the area. Typically, there are 24-hour patrols in and around all of the buildings, but that doesn’t mean students are protected when they are in other parts of the city.

Micheal Pizana, campus safety operations supervisor, and Froncek said they encourage students to be more careful when heading to parties off-campus.

“Be more careful where you go to parties...if you don’t know who’s hosting the party, don’t go,” Pizana said.

They advise partiers to stay with trusted friends the entire night, stick to familiar neighborhoods, and to not drink alcohol from communal receptacles, such as bowls and large jugs.  The drinks could be laced with harmful drugs.  When traveling alone, take a taxi back to the dorms.

Additional steps to a safer Halloween include wearing bright costumes to be seen at night and non-flammable clothing.

Froncek and Pizana said they still want students to have fun, but more importantly, they want students to be safe.  Their advice comes from years of experience protecting the campus.

“If [a party] gets too big, too out of hand, leave,” Pizano said, “while it’s still safe enough to get away.”