The University of Lethbridge is considered an extremely safe campus – and a recent survey of it's students, staff and faculty back that claim. Keeping it that way and improving upon those perceptions are constant goals of the U of L's Security and Parking Services unit.

To that end, the U of L has entered into a partnership with Southern Alberta Crime Stoppers.

"From the outset I have emphasized the importance of our office partnering with groups such as Crime Stoppers to maintain a safe and informed campus community," says John O'Keefe, the U of L's director of Security and Parking. "A recent survey showed that 96 per cent of respondents felt they were very safe on campus, but we don't want to rest on our laurels. Our aim is to achieve 97 per cent next year and 98 per cent the year after that."

By bringing Crime Stoppers to campus and utilizing the resources they can supply, O'Keefe sees security moving forward.

"In my opinion, only by being dynamic and aware of the ever-changing world we live in will we be able to maintain the campus community's expectations of this department," he says.

Crime Stoppers is a civilian, non-profit, charitable organization that brings
together, in a tripartite relationship, the police services of a community, the media and the community in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers provides citizens with the opportunity to anonymously supply the police with information about a crime or potential crime of which they have knowledge. Cash rewards are offered to people who call the program and their information leads to an arrest.

The on campus relationship allows students, staff and faculty the opportunity to anonymously report crimes or the potential for crimes by contacting either campus security or accessing Crime Stoppers through a variety of means. People can dial 1-800-222-8477, text TIP232 to CRIMES or submit a tip online at www.tipsubmit.com. Campus security can be contacted by calling 403-329-2345.

Crime Stoppers is also international and can be accessed throughout North America and much of Europe.