Expanding Safety Measures in Isla Vista and UCSB

On college campuses across the U.S., blue lights means safety.

For the past 30 years, blue light emergency phones have been a staple of campus crime prevention. Lining pathways, parking structures and dark spots around campus, these bright-blue telephones are a beacon of safety for students and pedestrians. Callers are connected to safety dispatchers with the press of a button, which also sends your exact location and activates a strobe light at the top of the kiosk. They’re a powerful tool for individuals, witnesses or intervening bystanders.

What are the benefits of Blue Light Phones?

1. They offer a sense of comfort and peace of mind

Universities often line their campuses with blue light phones as a way to signal their commitment to fostering a safe environment. Multiple administrators and students told the Chronicle of Higher Education in January that phones put students and prospective parents at ease during their campus visits.

2. They are universally accessible

Blue light phones are used across the country on college campuses and other public spaces. They're recognizable, user-friendly and especially helpful for visitors who are unfamiliar with campus and other campus safety resources. An emergency can be promptly responded to at all times without requiring a student to use a personal device.

3. They are highly reliable

While cellphones are undoubtedly convenient in emergency situations, there are times when they die, are left in a car or have been buried deep in a backpack. In a stressful situation, having an easy to use push button is simpler than dialing a number or accessing an app on a cellphone. Blue light phones take away a significant amount of human error from an emergency situation.

Extending Blue Light Phones in Isla Vista

If elected, Bruce will work with the University and IVCSD to extend UCPD linked blue light phones into Isla Vista. An increased number of blue light phones in Isla Vista will provide a better safety net and emergency response capabilities for all residents. These phones will offer an emergency option at all hours and in places where there is already little foot traffic, such as parks and the darker areas of Isla Vista.

Blue light phones are not meant to be a replacement for street lighting, and Bruce will work to improve lighting in Isla Vista. Well-lit areas are typically a deterrent to crime and can be extremely beneficial to the community. While blue light phones are not the end-all solution, they have proven to be a highly dependable and user-friendly option.

Questions or comments? Send us an email or give us a call.  

Tel: (805) 364-2675‬

Email: info@bruceporter.org

Paid for by Porter for Supervisor 2020
committee ID #1420446
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