As part of the Missouri Students Association’s new student-led safety initiative, they have partnered with the University of Missouri Police Department for a series of safety presentations that educate students about resources available to them on campus and how to act in risky situations.
The first presentation of the two-part series, held on Oct. 29, was led by officers Jacob Clifford and Rachel Frakes.
“I decided to start a campus safety initiative, and that was the main hitter when it came to deciding that we wanted to include MUPD in the conversations, knowing that they had the resources for students to be able to talk about crime statistics, what affects students, and what impacts they can have on students,” MSA Vice President Kaylie Lineback said.
The presentation was discussion based, with both officers asking students questions about their own experiences and quizzing attendees on how to respond to various scenarios.
Clifford and Frakes also told stories from their own experiences on the job.
The presentation included safety strategies for a variety of issues, such as alcohol in a vehicle, in a home, while exercising, in dating situations and when in downtown Columbia. They also provided details on how the MU Police Department can help in each scenario.
These presentations are just the beginning of the plans that MSA has for making the campus safer.
“We’ve worked with MUPD, we’ve worked with the mayor and were able to convene a collegiate council which also includes Stephens College and Columbia College to also talk about the same community crime statistics,” Lineback said. “I also have a statement that’s ready to go out about gun violence systemically, and the safety presentations are once again going to be a continued series. We’re also going to be hosting some self-defense and boxing classes at the rec.”
Along with continued presentations and classes presented by MSA and MU police, MSA is bringing back the Safe Mizzou Coalition. The coalition will return in the spring with Safety Week.
“We’re going to start it here at MSA and then see who wants to kind of lead that group and see if that can become a registered student organization, that way we can continue to have Safety Week every year,” Lineback said.
The next presentation of the series will be identical to the first, and will be held on Nov. 21 from 3-5:30 p.m. in Leadership Auditorium.
“We’re honestly really proud of the turnout, and are excited to keep it going,” Lineback said.
