Don’t want to walk alone? UNL Police will escort you around campus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department is reminding students that it will help them get around campus safely at night.

In the Husker Safe Walk program, an officer will walk with students to ensure their safety.

Capt. Aaron Pembleton of the UNLPD wants to make sure students or anyone on campus are aware that officers are on call 24/7.

“We will send one of our uniformed officers or our community service officers to escort someone maybe to their car or back to their dorms if they don’t feel comfortable trying to get across campus,” he said.

Pembleton said while campus is generally a safe place, it can be comforting to know someone is there to look out for you, especially late at night.

Several students said they weren’t aware the program existed but were glad to know there’s a way to ask someone to accompany them.

Sophomore Sophia Walsh said she’s talked about it with her friends but hasn’t actually used the program.

“I tend to keep tabs on things and where people are that I could run to if I need help for anything, so I think having that would be a resource I would use if needed,” she said.

Alexa Schell, a freshman, said on nights when students stay up late studying, it can be easy to lose track of time and end up alone.

“I was studying in the library one night, and it was 7 o’clock 8 o’clock at night, so not super late, but because it’s the wintertime, it’s super dark out,” she said. “And I felt very unsafe, and I was like, ‘OK, I’m gonna be walking in the dark.’ Having somebody that I’m able to call, that would help so much, and I’d feel so much safer.”

Emily Burlington, another freshman, said after hearing more about it, she’s more likely to take advantage of the program.

“I think it would be helpful if you’re going out and maybe, like, your friends left or you have nowhere to go,” she said. “I feel safe on campus every day. Like, I’m never worried about my safety, but you never know, honestly.”

For logistical reasons, police said they can’t help if you live off campus.

But the service is available on both the East and City Campuses.