After recent events concerning on Grounds security, University students have taken initiative to combat crime.
The Student Watch program, started in December 2002 by Chief Ronnie Mayhew and Chief Designate Will Sowers, was designed to get students to become actively involved in making their own environment safe, Mayhew said.
"To me there is no greater way to live up to the ideals of student self-governance than by stepping up and volunteering to help make our community a safer place in which to live, learn and grow," Mayhew said.
The program, with its 12 active members, watches the areas surrounding Grounds and provides students with on-foot escorts.
Any student at the University is welcome to join, Mayhew said.
Mayhew and Sowers strongly encourage diversity in the Student Watch program.
"It is our goal that we would have many students of diverse backgrounds willing to help increase the state of safety at the University," Mayhew said.
Some students involved in the program recently have riden with the police on area patrols.
"Many of our members are also taking advantage of the opportunity to ride along with the officers of the [University Police Department], an opportunity which is available to anybody at the University who fills out the appropriate forms," Mayhew said.
Funding for the program comes from the Student Activities Fee, but organizers said donations are welcomed.
The program's directors said they believe Student Watch could have an effect on preventing crime in Charlottesville.
"If the program gets up and running in full force with a strong backing of student volunteers, then I do believe that the impact on crime in this community would be significant," Mayhew said.
University police said they also believe the program will help prevent crime.
"I believe the program has potential for affecting the crime rate," University Police Capt. Michael Coleman said.
Student Watch encourages volunteers to go on ride-alongs. Volunteers go in pairs, usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., and are in communication with other pairs via cell phones. If the volunteers see a crime occurring, they are instructed to watch and report the crime, but not get involved.
"The students won't get involved, just maintain a safe watch," Mayhew said. "The program is much like a neighborhood watch, only it is done by students."
Sowers said he also thought the Escort Service could better serve students with the addition of another escort program to walk students shorter distances.
"I worked for the escort service for one and a half years," Sowers said. "I noticed that short trips would be better served walking."
Mayhew and Sowers say they envision the program working through Student Escort Service.
"Students would call the same number they call for Escort and Escort would send someone over to their location," Sowers said. "We hope to assist the Escort Service by walking students reasonable distances."
The Student Watch escort service would be mostly on Grounds, Sowers said.
Student Watch still is recruiting students and currently has 30 people on its mailing list. Organizers said they will begin training sessions with the University Police as soon as more students actively join the group.
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