In light of recent events such as Thursday’s sexual assault and robbery of a 24-year-old woman in front of the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life and the recent rescue of a sophomore stuck between Lafayette Street residence hall and a parking garage, concern over public safety is understandable. While these incidents are unnerving, NYU Public Safety’s swift and considered response should put the community at ease.
Public Safety has done an excellent job at responding and communicating with the NYU community in times of emergency. When the Public Safety department was alerted on Saturday night that Asher Vongtau, an LS sophomore, was missing, they began looking for him immediately. An NYU officer heard the student groaning and located him in a two-foot crevice on Sunday at about 5 p.m. The expediency with which they carried out the search, from finding his belongings at Lafayette Street residence hall, a dorm where Vongtau does not live, to immediately inspecting that building, helped lead to the student’s rescue on Sunday evening.
Three hours after the sexual assault in front of GCASL on Oct. 31, Public Safety released a university-wide memorandum, notifying the NYU community of the incident and offering preventative measures to ensure future safety. Emergency notifications have remained a top priority for the safety department. The speedy investigation and report of the rape case demonstrates that Public Safety is actively working to assure that the faculty and student body are always aware and know how to keep themselves safe.
Public Safety also has made thoughtful efforts toward transparency. Its website lists each reported safety violation and crime statistic in New York City, helping to create a secure environment for NYU students and their visitors. Equally important, the department catalogs the outcomes and statuses of crime reports, providing the NYU community with access to important, relevant information.
While we live in a safe neighborhood, it’s important to remember that we still live in a daunting city, and events like these can occur. Although last week’s incidents are rare, they serve as reminders that we must take precaution throughout our daily lives and remain aware of our surroundings. Fortunately, NYU students and faculty are informed and protected by an adept and experienced safety department. Our public safety officers have shown us tremendous reliability when they’re most needed.
