Western is spending the cost of a new car to keep you safe.
Information and Technology Services employee Robert Vanderminnen hooks up one of the 21 Emergency Blue Phones located throughout campus.
Campus Emergency Phones – the tall black poles with a blue light on top – are scattered across the university.
The 21 phones – up from 19 last year – cost $30,000 each.
“It’s the price of a good car, and is well worth it,” says Elgin Austen, director of the Campus Community Police Service.
The phones can be found everywhere from Huron University College and Brescia University College, to parking lots and high-traffic areas on the main campus. They’re purposely placed in strategic areas where people mostly walk, Austen says.
Dialing 911 on the phones will connect you directly to the campus police. The phones also link to the Campus Police Emergency Communications Centre, which can immediately mobilize fire, police and ambulance services.
Should you require general information or directions, the phones are also equipped to direct your call to a university operator.
“These show there’s an ability to get help within seconds,” Austen says.
While the campus police do receive a number of calls on the phones, they also act as a deterrent to help lower crime at the university.
Western has earned top marks as one of the safest campuses in Canada, and Austen says he hopes to add at least one emergency phone per year to continue that reputation.
On the occasions where assistance is needed, but it is not an emergency situation – such as counselling, health services or housing mediation – you can contact one of the following groups.
Campus Police (non-emergency): 519-661-3300
London Police (non-emergency): 519-661-5670
Western Foot Patrol: 519-661-3650
Occupational Health & Safety: 519-661-2194
Regional Sexual Assault Treatment Centre: 519-646-6100, ext. 64224
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program: 519-438-2272
Abused Women’s Help Line: 519-642-3000
London Distress Centre & Suicide Hotline: 519-667-6711
Mental Health Crisis Service: 519-433-2023
Student Health Services (Medical): 519-661-3030
Student Health Services (Counselling): 519-661-3771
Student Development Centre (Counselling): 519-661-3031
Equity Services (Race Relations, Sexual Harassment): 519-661-3334
Chaplain’s Services: 519-661-2111 ext.85929
Community Legal Services: 519-661-3352
Dispute Resolution Centre: 519-661-4044
Housing Mediation: 519-661-3787
Information London: 519-432-2211
Parking Services: 519-661-3973
Physical Plant Service Centre: 519-661-3304