Cruiser celebrates 1 year

With the one-year anniversary of the Hilltop Safety Cruiser approaching and its growing popularity, there is a question regarding the need for another cruiser on campus.
The current Cruiser on campus operates daily between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. during spring and fall semesters. It was initially implemented to help keep the campus community safe at night.
Student employees drive the van and provide shuttle transportation within the Bradley patrol area, bordered by Moss Avenue, Columbia Terrace, Western Avenue and Sheridan Road.
According to BUPD Chief Brian Joschko, the cruiser has been extremely popular since the program was put into action.
“We have safely transported more than 12,000 students, faculty and staff since the launch of the cruiser in late Nov. 2012,” he said. “Every person who uses the transport or escort services greatly reduces their risk of becoming a victim of a crime.”
Executive Director of Public Relations Renee Charles said the current Cruiser is highly successful and beneficial. She also added that the concept is not unique to Bradley, as other institutions nationwide have similar programs.
“If a student, faculty or staff member is using the transport that means they are taking safety precautions,” she said. “They aren’t walking alone and therefore, are reducing their risk of harm.”
The program is continuously reviewed for efficiency and usefulness.
“Safety is a paramount at Bradley, and this is just one of the many ways we work to keep our campus safe,” Charles said.
However, the possibility of another cruiser on campus remains up in the air.
“We are currently assessing the demand for the expansion of the program,” Joschko said. “No determination has been made either way.”