Vermillion assaults cause concern for students
The University of South Dakota campus isn’t what it use to be.
Though this is my first year at USD as a transfer student, I had several friends who already attended the university. And upon my arrival, they informed me of what to expect from the school.
They gave me the impression the USD campus was both safe and sound. A campus that produces minimal crime rate. One that allows people to feel at ease when walking with friends at 1 am.
The campus this year however, has not followed this same track record.
On Sept. 5, a police report was released from the Vermillion Police Department that noted an assault. The victim was a college student who was simply walking around campus that night.
The suspect was with five other men at the time, and hit the victim in the face. The victim said he assumes his Middle Eastern heritage had something to do with the random attack.
I find it frightening that assaults like this are realistic.
In addition to this, on the same night another police report was posted, stating, “several vehicles in a private parking lot had been damaged.” Scratches were found on four of the defaced cars.
To many, keying someone’s car may seem like an innocent and petty crime. I disagree. Acts like this shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is concerning that someone is damaging property for sport and also makes you wonder what else they’re capable of.
My goal is not to scare everyone, I’m aware the Vermillion’s Police Department is doing a thorough investigation of the crime that’s been transpiring. Others in the community are also taking action.
Certain members of Greek life, for example, have taken to the app SafeTrek. The application is linked to the user’s current location. If they feel in danger at any time, they simply have to hold down a button on the application screen. This results in the police being notified unless the person enters their personalized pin code within a matter of seconds.
I downloaded this app myself, and I can honestly say it’s a great discovery.
Even though I haven’t had to use it, knowing I can have help on the way if needed is very comforting.
Getting this application is just one way to be cautious in the newly crime stricken town we live in. I realize there are many other college towns, with far greater delinquent acts occurring. But this is not a reason to think that what people here are experiencing is nothing.
Precautions have to be taken, and hope can not be lost that crimes like this will diminish.
I realize no place can be perfect, but it would still be nice to experience the solace of small town Vermillion that I once heard of.
Until this is achieved, anyone and everyone, whether a college student or not, male or female, young or old, should make it their priority to download the SafeTrek app. As this application becomes widespread, let’s hope the words “safe and sound” will be used to describe the Vermillion campus yet again.
