Image: Caution tape at Ward Island on April 20. Corpus Christi’s crime rate has historically been one of the highest in the nation.
Story and Photo by Sam Kunkle | Translation by Isabella Hernandez Betancur
The city of Corpus Christi possesses one of the highest crime rates in the nation, approximately 1.6 times higher than over 90 % of American cities, according to City-Data.com. Therefore, the importance of Islanders taking immense care of both each other and themselves is extremely important for overall campus safety. In collaboration with the Island Waves, Senior Officer Antonio Contreras of the Corpus Christi Police Department gave some tips on how Islanders can keep themselves safe when alone or in worrying situations.
1: “Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be over distracted by your cell phone.”
Officer Contreras wanted to stress the importance of paying attention and to minimize phone usage during situations where you could potentially be at risk of any sort of danger or harm. Having a cell phone is an excellent way to contact authorities or people you trust, but over relying on it, to distract you, can result in consequences.
2: “In any emergency call 911, if not an emergency call the CCPD non-emergency line (361886-2600) or if on campus the University police line and give your location. Or walk into a public building or where other people are at.”
People in general can be the defining tool that saves lives above all other tools. Large groups of people and close proximity/quick access to first responders can protect you from malicious individuals. Not only this, but it is easier to seek first aid medical attention if that is needed or necessary to the situation you find yourself in.
3: “Have a plan wherever you go, and wherever you are try to possibly have a friend with you.”
Having a plan where you feel you could potentially be alone or at least a situation you feel you won’t have full control over, be sure to plan accordingly to avoid dangerous complications or unavoidable stress, inducing problems. On top of this, having a trustworthy friend with you at all times can also prove extremely effective in warding off dangerous people, as well as ensuring your safety, both within situations as well as traveling to locations.
4: “Have your cell phone handy but don’t let it be a distraction. Have your keys to your vehicle ready when approaching your vehicle.”
Both a way to communicate for help or assistance and an effective exit strategy are both imperative to ensuring your safety in any given moment. Calling authorities or loved ones when you don’t feel comfortable or safe is heavily suggested, and making sure you have quick access to your vehicle, or someone trustworthy who does, if you are inebriated or otherwise under the influence.
5: “If you’re going somewhere, let your family or other friends know where you’ll be going.”
Letting your loved ones know of your location can sometimes prove beneficial if your intended plans do not go as you originally thought. They can come find you, pick you up, or communicate with other friends who are with you in order to safely get you to a better location.
These tips could potentially be the thing that keeps you safe when one is alone and/or at night. It is absolutely imperative that Islanders feel safe on campus as a learning community and center of education should always feel like a place where no one should have to feel worried or distressed. As an extremely important reminder, campus police are always readily available at their department’s front desk on the Island, and they can be contacted by calling (361) 825-4444, and as always if you are not able to call them for any reason, be sure to call 911.