Jaron Levi
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Some students at Winthrop University say they’ve noticed an increased police presence on campus, especially near commuter parking lots.

According to Winthrop Police Chief Charles Yearta, the increase in patrols is not due to a rise in crime, but instead a response to students’ safety concerns.

Yearta said some commuter students reported feeling unsettled when walking to their cars at night after noticing unfamiliar people near campus.

“When students see an officer nearby, it makes them feel safer,” Yearta said. “It’s also a proactive approach. A transient individual thinking about committing a crime on campus may see a police car with an officer and change their mind.”

The Counsel of Student Leaders (CSL) also played a role in the increase to help ensure the safety of students.

Holly-Grace Penza, the chair of campus life and safety committee for CSL and a commuter student representative, said she conducted a poll of students, who shared their concerns, which encouraged her to speak with campus police.

“I asked Chief Yearta if he could have police cars in the commuter lots at night,” she said. “So, it started with someone messaging me on Instagram and others shared similar concerns.”

While some students say increased campus patrols have made a difference, others like Sharon-Rose Humphrey, a Winthrop junior, say they haven’t noticed a major change.

“I feel like last year I saw more police,” said Humphrey. “I stay on campus a lot, but at night, I try to go home.”

On Monday, April 27, the Winthrop Police held a “Cool Down with Cops” event, which handed out free Kona Ice to students to celebrate the last day of classes and the end of the semester.

Organizers also said they hoped the event could help build trust between students and police.