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Staff Editorial:
Emergency number changed for the first time in decades
The administration announced last week there is a new campus emergency number: 503-491-7911.
For more than a decade the emergency number had been “33” from any campus phone, but according to head public safety officer Wayne Feagle, the number was changed because many people have cell phones now and you cannot dial “33” from a cell phone.
The “33” number is still a working number, but Feagle said that he is not sure for how much longer it will be in existence. The new “7911” number is the preferred option.
The change happened midway through the term, which was because of the amount of paperwork and procedures that go along with requesting a new emergency phone number, according to Feagle.
Feagle said Public Safety also tested to see if their new system could receive and handle phone calls coming to that extension and after it passed the initial test, the system was up and running.
Phasing out of the old emergency number will happen over a non-specified time so that people can get used to the new number and for instructors to inform the students of the change.
The college has at least one public safety officer on duty 24 hours a day that patrol the campus either in a marked vehicle or by interacting with students and faculty. A closed-circuit camera monitors broad areas of the campus.
In the event of an emergency, Feagle said it is important to call “9-1-1” first so that emergency personnel can come to campus. After calling “9-1-1,” it is important that public safety is informed so that they can assist emergency personnel.
Security escort are also available at any time by calling “7310” from a campus phone or 503-491-7310 from any other phone.
Public Safety employees are also equipped and trained to start cars with dead batteries and to assist with locked cars, but they are not trained to be mechanics.
The Public Safety officers on campus are unarmed, but they are empowered to conduct investigations and make arrests for violations they observe. Public Safety works closely with Gresham and Troutdale police departments as well as the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to be as efficient as possible.
The Advocate reserves the right to not publish comments based on their appropriateness.
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