I’m a resident at Towers and park my car in Lot 61. I’ve read many editorials degrading DPS, and I’ve also read the responses to these articles made by DPS officials. For what it’s worth, here’s my view …

I’ve read all the nasty remarks about the parking division, but frankly, if you get a ticket, you probably deserve it. Their “holier-than-thou” attitude kind of grates on my nerves, but otherwise, they’re just doing their jobs.

I’m more concerned about the public safety division of DPS. DPS prides itself on heightening awareness of campus violence and teaching us how to protect ourselves. We’ve all seen flyers for self-defense classes, the Help Van and the escort service (not THAT kind of escort service). While this is some kind of attempt at addressing violence on campus, it is not enough.

About two weeks ago, I was leaving work late, and upon walking out the door, I saw a very suspicious person. He caught my eye for two reasons.

First, hanging around outside a store that has long since closed isn’t really a hip thing to do. I also recognized him as someone who had followed me before. I was obviously a little uncomfortable with the situation, but walked briskly and confidently to my car as I’d been taught. I started home, and he followed me.

After I went around in circles to make sure it wasn’t just my imagination, he followed me down the road that leads past Towers. I parked in front of one of the buildings to call a friend to walk me inside, as my stalker (as I so affectionately call him) watched from a few hundred feet away. That time, everything turned out okay. I’m still alive.

There are a lot of things that bother me about the situation, though. I don’t think DPS patrols the parking lots often enough. I can’t remember the last time I have seen them at Towers.

I realize that they can’t be everywhere at once, but there’s more to it. I would feel much better about walking outside alone if the parking lot was well lit. It’s not. About half the lights rarely seem to be on, and if they are, they’re flickering, ready to go out.

The worst ones are at the back where you are forced to park if you get home anytime after 9 p.m. They’ve been broken for years, and I’ve complained before, but they haven’t been fixed.

I’m not of the opinion that a whole new fleet of pickups for the parking division should take priority over basic (and much cheaper) lighting repairs. When I got back to my room that night, I called DPS to file a report. The officer was nice enough, but the safety alternatives he gave me weren’t practical. He told me I should have a friend (preferably male) walk me inside.

When I’m coming home from work late, that’s not really an option. Dragging someone out of bed every night I have to work late isn’t that nice. It shouldn’t be my friends’ responsibility.

I told the officer again about the poor lighting in the parking lot and the lack of patrol cars. I was told that my suggestion would be “passed along,” but there hasn’t been any noticeable change.

In my opinion, these are important concerns. It wouldn’t take any more than a few new light bulbs and a few more trips past Towers. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

I guess I’ll have to look into packin’ some heat (or at least totin’ some pepper spray) until the problem is solved.

Emily Olson

Junior

Business