In an e-mail sent today, Nov. 9, at 2:36 p.m., from Dean of the College Chris Roellke and Director of Security Don Marsala, it was announced that security walking patrols have been increased around the Residential Quad, the North Parking Lot and the Townhouse Path. “The officers assigned to these posts all wear new reflective vests that clearly identify them as security officers. Our bicycle unit is also doing more patrols throughout the campus,” write Roellke and Marsala, who also added that in addition the Town of Poughkeepsie Police have added Vassar “to both their vehicle and bicycle unit patrols.”
The strengthened security enforcements were added as a result of “several reports of students being approached in a threatening manner by unknown individuals” before October Break.
To read Roellke and Marsala’s e-mail in full, click “Read the rest of this entry” below.
November 9, 2009
To the Vassar Community:
As we wrote earlier, prior to October break Vassar’s Office of Security received several reports of students being approached in a threatening manner by unknown individuals. Investigation of these incidents led to an arrest and the identification of others for questioning.
In the meantime, we wanted to let you know that several additional security measures have been taken. Vassar College Security has added walking patrols in the Quad, the North Lot/Pine Path areas and on the Townhouse Path. The officers assigned to these posts all wear new reflective vests that clearly identify them as security officers. Our bicycle unit is also doing more patrols throughout the campus.
At our request, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police has added Vassar to both their vehicle and bicycle unit patrols. We thank local law enforcement for all of their assistance in keeping our campus safe.
We’ve learned that many more students are requesting walking escorts at night from the student led Campus Patrol (845-437-7232). Please continue to take advantage of this important service, as well as of the on-campus shuttle vans driven by Vassar security officers. Shuttle information can be found by dialing 845-437-6700 on campus, or by calling the college switchboard 845-437 7000 and saying “Shuttle” when prompted.
Finally, at the Office of Security’s request our Buildings and Grounds staff has been trimming overgrown foliage that blocked streetlights and walkway areas. B&G is also vigilant about replacing burned out bulbs that would be lighting the campus. Should you see an outdoor bulb that needs replacing, or identify additional safety related maintenance issues that need attention, please call the Campus Response Center non-emergency number (845 437 5221), or 9:00am-5:00pm call B&G at 845 437 5555.
We continue to encourage all community members to report any suspicious activity to the Campus Response Center (845-437-7333/EMERGENCY and 845 437 5221/NON-EMERGENCY).
Sincerely,
Chris Roellke
Dean of the College
Don Marsala
Director, Vassar College Security
Christopher Roellke
Dean of the College
Professor of Education
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
PH: 845-437-5600
Fax: 845-437-7640
