Issue date: 10/14/04 Section: News

University Security Officer Moe Brown headed a Campus Security meeting on Oct. 12 in the Donahue building as a routine reminder that students should always be cautious and alert when traveling in the city.

Twenty students attended the meeting on the fourth floor Student Activities Lounge, most of them participants in Suffolk's Jump Start early-learning assistance program run through the SOULS Center. Because of their involvement with Boston Public Schools, Jumpstart students often utilize public transportation in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

"You always want to do what a person says," Brown said, in reference to a scenario that may involve a suspect asking for money or jewelry. Brown volunteered students to get up in front of the group in order to demonstrate these different scenarios.

"Always travel in pairs," Brown said, emphasizing the risk a person is taking when walking alone during the day or night. Brown also made suggestions as to where and how to stand while taking the train. According to Brown, standing closer to the door or the train operator is potentially safer if there happens to be an unsafe situation. Recently, there have been two rape cases in the Boston area. Both victims were traveling alone, one late at night and one during the early morning. Colleges and universities have been working with the city to make sure students are aware and cautious. MBTA Police also has released crime prevention tips throughout train stations in Boston.

In a press release sent to Suffolk University on Sept. 30, the Boston Police sought to spread awareness about two incidents involving "Aggravated Rape with [a] Gun," incidents that they believed were related.According to the release, the two victims were threatened with death by the suspects, both black males in their 20's. Both victims' heads were covered with either a bag or hood while being driven to the crime scene.

Suffolk Police Chief John Pagliarulo said in an interview with The Journal, "We are an urban institution. All around the university we need to be very cognizant about our safety." The Chief added that students should "avoid the Boston Common" at night.

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