With the help of a grant from the Dads Association, the University Police Department established a crime prevention training program called I-Watch to help University housing staff members keep students’ property safe in the final weeks of the semester.   

Detective Rebecca Lauher of the University Police Department came up with the idea for the program in May when she joined the crime prevention unit.

“I know that some other campuses are using it and have been successful,” Lauher said. “I thought that would be something that would fit in well here.”

The $200 grant was used to pay for signs and booklets promoting the program.

A presentation for staff members was hosted at Orchard Downs Apartments and Ashton Woods Homes. The training taught participants how to define a “suspicious person” and when to call for help.

Detective Robert Murphy said it is important for people to know how to describe a suspicious person to police. 

“Through this program, it gives you a way to explain what’s not right,” Murphy said. “If you see someone peeking in the window … if you see someone trying door handles to see if rooms are locked or unlocked, is that appropriate?”

Last year, Murphy said a common thing was for offenders to walk through apartments and open unlocked doors in search of an easy access to burglary. If someone was inside, offenders would say they were looking for someone with a common name, such as Steve or Bob. Murphy said this has been especially popular during Unofficial and extended breaks in the semester.

Rachita Rana, community aide for University Housing, went through the training when Lauher visited the Orchard Downs Apartments to deliver a presentation.

Rana said the information helped her learn how she can give back to the community.

“We had a number of safety issues and some incidents like burglary and snatching, (so) I decided to participate,” Rana said. “I liked it, and I thought it was necessary for everyone to know.”

Lauher said response to the program has been positive, and he advises students to report anything that seems out of place over winter break.

“A lot of people like it and like seeing it happen all across campus,” she said. “Where you live is where you are used to being at. You know what occurs in that neighborhood, so if you see something that is unusual or out of place, or if it just gives you that kind of feeling that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, then what we want is for them to call the police department.”

Carina can be reached at [email protected].