Tucson, Ariz. (Kgun) – University of Arizona Chief Safety Officer Steven Patterson says “All in some way, form or form are afraid of the darkness.”

So after the sun has settled on the second Tuesday of the month, he takes a crew of volunteers on a “security walk”, sharing tips for individual security and asks students for feedback in places they see as “problem areas.”

Patterson says he sees these walks as a leakmust test for Office of Public Safety, a new addition to the University 2023.

“How can I get involved with the students,” Patterson said, driving through the questions he hopes the walks will answer. “And make sure the messages and updates we do … Is the information that comes down to the students?”

AU from a student safety survey from September 2024 found that although almost 60% of students feel secure in all areas on campus, women reported and gender or gender that does not comply with feeling less secure. Students in particular said that they felt insecure in parking garage.

Although these walks can teach students to use their resources such as the Blue Light system or apps such as Trippask and Livesafe, Director Patterson says there is more in security than avoiding crime.

“People who are safe are also people who feel safe,” he said. “People’s mental health – people feel comfortable where they are – everyone plays a role in public safety.”

He says the university puts “stop the bleed” kits on each AED place – indoor AEDs already have two Narcan doses – and updates the classroom with U Alert Boards for students who do not have their mobile phones on them.