By Tory Hernandez
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 29, 1997

ASUA, UAPD spread safety message

Sometimes all it takes is one personal experience to force individuals into action.

During Rosanna Savone's freshman year, a man grabbed her as she rode by on a bicycle one night, as her friend fumbled for her pepper spray.

Savone, an Associated Students senator, said she reported the incident to University of Arizona Police Department and the man was later caught.

"It (the assault) just woke me up," Savone said.

The event, which Savone described as a "scary and traumatic experience," pushed campus safety to the forefront of her election platform last spring and led her to host Campus Safety Day today along with UAPD.

In an effort to warn students about possible dangers on campus, Savone has arranged for 10 campus organizations to be out on the UA Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

The groups will be handing out information and answering questions about what services they are offering, Savone said.

"I'd be most interested in campus safety for my girlfriend's sake rather than my own," business sophomore Greg Lewis said.

"Some of the statistics are very scary."

Lewis said he knew very little about campus services for victims.

Savone said, "It's very unfortunate that students don't know these services are out there, but if they just walk by and see a sign they will know the service is available.

"It just breaks my heart when I hear about things that happen that can be avoided."

Hydrology sophomore Badar Allawati said he would be interested in learning about some of the lesser known services, but thought that campus safety had improved the past few years.

"I don't feel as much fear as I used to walking through campus at night," he said.

UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said several officers will be on site along with a display of police department vehicles.

"We will be there to answer questions about campus safety," he said. "It's also an excellent opportunity for us to recruit new officers for the department."

Seastone said officers will also create eligibility lists for future hirings.

Groups in attendance will be:

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence
• UA Parking and Transportation Services
• Health Promotion Prevention Services
• UA Escort service
• Greeks Advocating for the Mature Management of Alcohol, or GAMMA

In addition, UAPD officers will demonstrate elements of taekwondo and use of pepper spray for self-defense.

Savone said she plans to hold another Safety Day next semester, just before spring break.

"I felt it was a good time to hit students with information," she said. "Just as a reminder before they leave for vacation."