Campus Watch booklet launched at DCU with USI and An Garda Síochána
Dublin City University’s Chief Operations Officer Declan Raftery joined USI Vice-President for the Dublin Region Emma Monahan and members of Án Garda Síochána at DCU’s U Student Centre today to mark the launch of the 2024 Campus Watch safety booklet.
Campus Watch is an initiative that aims to increase security awareness among third-level students nationwide. The booklet gives students useful information that promotes security and safety at public events or during nights out, alongside up-to-date regulations on road safety and drug awareness. The booklet is specifically tailored for third-level students to help them navigate safety challenges and make informed decisions.
Speaking at the launch, DCU’s Chief Operations Officer Declan Raftery said:
Ensuring the safety and security of DCU students has always been a top priority for the University. The Campus Watch initiative helps us to achieve that aim by raising awareness among the student body about the ways to recognise risk and ensure personal safety. At DCU, we greatly value our ongoing collaboration with An Garda Síochána and the USI, and we are grateful for their proactive engagement on the student safety issue.
Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said:
The new Garda Campus Watch Booklet now includes sections on online crimes, such as phishing and romance fraud, as well as updated information on accommodation fraud and money laundering. These updates reflect our commitment to keeping students informed and better prepared to protect themselves and each other.
Emma Monahan, Vice President for the Dublin Region, Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said:
We welcome the Garda Campus Watch Student Safety and Security Booklet. We believe it is of utmost importance that students, especially first-time students, are aware of how to keep themselves safe during their time in higher education. The booklet serves as a one-stop-shop for basic student safety and touches on many of the issues that we in USI/AMLÉ work on, which have been brought forward by our members. Some examples of these issues include safety during a night out, respecting diversity, safe bicycle storage and safety both in, and when trying to secure, accommodation. We believe it is crucial for students to know where to turn when in danger and to have an awareness of their rights.