Thirty-four new solar-powered emergency call boxes with 12-foot poles, emergency decals and blue lights are being installed across campus to increase students’ safety and will replace the older boxes.A majority of call the boxes have been installed, and installation should be complete within about one week, according to Assistant Vice President for Administration Michael Davis.

Davis said the previous 15 emergency call boxes on campus had aged and were not as visible as he would have liked. Those call boxes will no longer be used. The new call boxes will be spread out including along the bayouside, along the walking trail and in several parking lots. The call boxes will be highly visible, with poles 12 feet high that have emergency decals and a blue light on top.

Eugene Dial, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment, said that the old call boxes were not as noticeable as the new ones. Sudents will probably feel safter with the improved ones, he said.

Davis said that when activated, the blue light on the pole will change to a white pulsating light. The person at the call box will be directly connected to the University Police station radio. This means both the dispatcher and the officer in a patrol car will hear the call, which allows for a quicker emergency response time.

Dial said the call boxes will be great for the community. “Anything we can do to tell criminals to stay away and provide protection for the campus is good.”

Davis said that he thinks the students will be pleased with the increased safety.

“We have a very safe campus, and we want to make sure it remains that way,” Dial said.

“When crime does happen, the new call boxes ensure a quick reaction by police,” Dial said.

The total cost for the project was $141,519, with funding coming from the parking decal fees.