Kernel Editorial Board

Some areas on campus are safer than others.

The armed robbery that occurred April 12 at Cooperstown Drive and Oldham Court around 10:15 p.m helps hammer in this point. According to an April 13 Kernel article, three armed suspects robbed two victims of a wallet, a laptop computer, two cell phones and cash.

This is the second robbery to occur in the area within a two-month span, and although there may not be any connection between the two crimes, it’s clear students may want avoid that area at night.

UK students complain about how UK Alert does not get information out quickly enough, and some of the argument is valid.

UK has to give its students as much safety information as possible to preserve campus safety.

Additionally, some students live in close proximity to where the two robberies have occurred and no student should have to endure such safety concerns.

So, instead of using the UK Twitter account to tell students to “make like a snow bunny,” use the Twitter account as a means to get out the same message UK Alert is sending. The same goes for Facebook.

Yes, there is a need for more transparency so concerned individuals aren’t left in the dark. Visiting a website with no information can be somewhat disconcerting to students and parents who receive an alert. Using social networking, something students routinely check, will get the message out quickly without the lag of the phone alert system. As always, time is the most important issue in emergency situations.

Students, if you have to be out at night, be responsible and utilize campus safety measures and refrain from unsafe behavior. A situation like this is avoidable if the proper steps are taken to ensure safety.

Furthermore, the bare minimum information should be enough of an incentive to pressure students to stay out of an area where a crime has occurred.

In a perfect world, UK Police would be able to get information to the proper UK officials instantaneously so the situation can be disseminated to campus just as quickly. However, dissemination of accurate information takes time and UK has to release information as the situation develops.

UK must be creative in sending out its alerts so they reach students as soon as possible, and students must use the services in place and avoid walking into a potentially dangerous situation.

Until crime ceases, certain places will always remain safe and others will be known for their safety issues. Utilizing its resources, though, UK can ensure that despite the situation, students will always be aware and safe.