After the sun went down, participants of the 2009 Walk in the Dark tour at UH got a chance to let their voices shine.
At 9 p.m. Wednesday, students joined the UH Department of Public Safety, the Student Government Association, UH Police Department officers and the Department of Plant Operations to record the tour’s largest turnout since 2003, its inaugural year.
‘The Walk in the Dark gives students a chance to say, ‘I feel safe,” UHDPS Chief of Police Malcolm Davis said.
Participants explored the campus to identify areas that needed proper lighting. They also were able to voice their concerns about campus safety.
History senior Reyna Banfield said her main concern was the lack of lighting in a parking lot across the street from her residence at the Calhoun Lofts.
Banfield said she was glad she participated in the event because Davis was responsive and addressed all of her questions and concerns.
‘This program was a really good idea, and the information given to me was very thorough,’ Banfield said.
Students who took part in Walk in the Dark met at the University Center. Before the walk began, Dave Irvin, associate vice president for plant operations, passed out a fact sheet that contained specific details regarding campus cameras, lighting, building exterior door card access, sidewalks and landscaping.
‘In updating this campus’ safety, we put our money where our feet are,’ Irvin said.
With fact sheets in hand, students set off to roam the campus in search of areas that could use more safety implementations.’
Along the walk, people discussed their ideas while a UHPD scribe documented the event and the issues raised by the students.
Participants also tested the solar blue light emergency phone boxes and were encouraged by UHPD to test the call boxes at any time.
Davis said students must play larger roles in pointing out problems and being informed of events and opportunities such as Walk in the Dark.
‘If you have a problem, make the effort to contact us,’ Davis said.
After students had finished identifying campus spots in need of lighting and testing call boxes, it was evident that Walk in the Dark was a success, serving as a tool of enlightenment.’
‘This year was a pretty good turnout,’ SGA President Kenneth Fomunung said. ‘It was very effective and encouraging for students.”
