When things go bump in the night

On Halloween, we like to have fun with the candy, supernatural horrors and pumpkins, but it’s time to talk about something very real and possibly very scary: student safety at Mt. Hood.

We are fortunate that not many crimes are committed at Mt. Hood. This is thanks in part to the diligence of Public Safety. There are plenty of officers, cameras and workshop volunteers scattered around campus, making this place feel pretty safe.

The most pervasive crime over the years at the Gresham campus has been auto theft, and the number of cars stolen has declined each year, so the safety team must be doing something right.

But, at night, it’s a different vibe.

The long stretches of dark halls and vacant parking lots at Mt. Hood can be pretty creepy when nobody is around and many lights are turned off.

It doesn’t help that there aren’t as many public safety officers around, and the volunteers aren’t here either. If by chance a Public Safety officer does witness a crime, the best he or she can do is call 911. Campus officers are not trained or licensed to handle dangerous situations. They are equipped with a baton and pepper spray, but those are not exactly weapons to strike fear in the hearts of criminals.

Yes, we now have plenty of cameras hidden around the campus, but a recording of a dude who got mugged isn’t much help to the dude who got mugged.

The school does have a good relationship with local law enforcement authorities, and it seems like there is always a cop fairly close to the college. We understand that the Gresham Police can respond to a situation very fast, but that’s still a big window for criminals to do their thing and still be home for dinner.

What can be done?

There are a few things that students and faculty can do themselves to feel more safe. It may seem over-the-top, but never underestimate the power of the buddy system. A wily assailant is less likely to strike if individuals stick together. Just walk with someone, a classmate or friend, to their car and have him or her take you to your car. Or, if it feels really sketchy and there is no one to team up with, call Public Safety to be personally escorted to your vehicle.

Speaking of cars, when staying late at the college, try parking as near to the school buildings as possible, in a well-lit area. This will shorten the walk to your car and also make it less likely to be stolen.

Just in case, carry some basic defense items, such as keys, pepper spray and even wasp spray (reportedly more painful than pepper spray).

One thing Public Safety could do is make sure there are more officers, or possibly volunteers, stationed on campus at night. We understand that staffing is already stretched thin, but more eyes at night would make a huge difference, psychologically at the least.

We are in no way saying that Mt. Hood is suddenly in danger, or that we think that there will be a new crime wave out of the blue.

It’s just that things seem sketchy at night and a few additions to nighttime security would add some peace of mind.

Pubic Safety escorts are available by calling 503-491-7310.