As one who has been away for 10 years and recently returned to campus, this writer is impressed by the remarkable change from years back. No one has fear walking about campus, going to parking lots or remote or dark places, or being in class buildings, dormitories or offices when there aren’t many others about.

"We really get out there," said April Vournelis, chief of campus security, provided by Burns International. "We work hard on patrols. And we work closely with the residential life staff, the Bridgeport police and our community."

Vournelis said there were many specific factors involved in bringing crime down. Security officers promptly challenge strangers on campus. "If they don’t belong, they’re sent off," she said.

"The key is, our security officers have a lot of heart. This is not just a job. They really care," she said.

The security force also holds many programs with students, instructing them on what to watch for and what to do to protect themselves. As a result, students, faculty and staff are quick to report suspicious behavior. "That gives us a chance to intervene before anything happens," she said.

The security chief also credited the Bridgeport Police and Park Police for their help. "We have very close ties. They are so good in responding to our needs. They’re great, and that has impact on our campus."

The UB security force has foot and bicycle patrols, as well as motor vehicles. They are out where they are visible, so their presence is always felt, and comforting.

Every student also has a personal alarm device, much like the little key chain electronic beeper you may have to open your car door. If a student is in or fears a security situation, a press of the beeper sends the alarm signal into headquarters.

The security officers’ response time to these alarms is under a minute and in many cases quite a bit less.

That’s because the device includes a locator that pinpoints exactly where the alarm was signaled. And it tracks the signal if a student had to run or move away from the original spot.

As added security, the beeper-owner’s photo comes up on a screen at headquarters. That allows security officers to be sure they are helping the right person, and that the beeper is not in the hands of an attacker.

This year dorm identification has been added to student ID cards to provide an extra ounce of security in controlling entry into the dormitories.