UNA increases officers on campus | News

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF)- More police are on patrol
at the University of North Alabama as students begin a new semester.

The
extra patrols may help reassure students about their safety after last
semester's string of sexual assaults and break-ins near the university. 

Chief Bob Pastula said not
only have they added 12 additional officers to the force, but one of those
officers is specifically trained to handle all sexual assault and rape cases.

"The sexual assault
crimes and rape crimes are pretty important events in a person's life, so I
like to make sure we have the proper training and proper attention is paid to
those particular crimes," he said.

Last fall's string of
sexual attacks and break-ins in the city increased safety concerns across
campus.

Pastula and his department
quickly jumped into action making necessary changes to help put the campus
community at ease.

"We have our standard
snap patrols. We're doing extra patrols in the parking garage and around the
campus," said Pastula. "I don't think there's any reason to walk in
fear."

This semester the
department has 26 officers - that's 12 more than last fall.

Pastula said they are also
training additional crews to help in all areas of the department.

But he said his officers
can't do it alone; they still need the community's help reporting any
suspicious activity on or near campus, all hours of the day.

"We're
out there for to provide that service to protect them, to keep them safe and
out of harm's way. If you see something going on and if it's of an emergency
nature, call 911," Pastula said. "If it's not of emergency in nature
and you just want to let us know, they can either call us directly at 765 help
number that's 4357, or they can send us an anonymous email and they can go on
the website to get that."

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