Because of the number of parking tickets the TCU Police write, many may not realize what the department’s most important duties are – preventing and solving crimes.But if students take the time to look around, they will see that distributing parking tickets isn’t the only activity of the department; campus police also implement and execute precautions and measures that keep campus safe.

Froggie Five-O can be a resource for students afraid of walking alone across campus. The escorts can expedite a student’s trip and provide strength in numbers.

The emergency light posts, according to the TCU Police Web site, are set in various locations around campus and have emergency phones.

The police department has a campus crime watch that runs much like a neighborhood watch, complete with community meetings, according to the TCU police Web site. Police also patrol the campus 24 hours a day, according to the site.

To stop crimes before they even begin, the department offers programs and services such as sexual assault prevention and personal safety training, as well as a list of emergency numbers the TCU community can contact.

According to 2005 crime statistics in the 2006-2007 Student Handbook, the latest available statistics, and TCU Police Chief Steve McGee, there were five burglaries on campus and four motor vehicle thefts – three of those being stolen golf carts later recovered – reported. Given the numerous people on campus and the urban setting of the university, five burglaries isn’t a bad number.

The police department is working hard to prevent and correct criminal activity, duties that often go unnoticed by the community. So maybe next time you find a $75 parking ticket on your windshield, you can keep in mind what else the police department gives you – safety.

Managing editor Adrienne Lang for the editorial board