Written by Stephanie Richardson
Safety on the TSU campus is certainly not its greatest attribute. On the positive, it is slowly but surely getting better each year. Recently, TSU has beefed up security by bringing on Nashville Metro Police officers who patrol the campus on a regular basis. There are several security officers who patrol the campus throughout the day, but unfortunately, they are not as prominent at night. Each of the dorms has a booth where a security officer is supposed to check IDs, but you only see someone working there once in a blue moon. Most of the time, someone can drive onto the campus with no questions asked. Generally, though, students have mixed emotions about security. During the day, there isn’t much concern about safety, but you better make sure you keep a hand on your textbooks at all times. Security officers will actually advise you to never lay your books down unless you want them “to grow legs and walk off.” Students always keep their dorm rooms and cars locked up, because each student is responsible for their own belongings, and theft is a major issue at TSU. Recently, more serious crimes have happened from robbery, identity theft, and murder. Off campus, it is entirely different.
The surrounding area is in poverty, so it is best to not travel alone, especially after dark. Nashville Police never seem to be around when you need them, but if you go five miles over the speed limit, they will be right on your tail. Off campus, driving is definitely a problem because Nashville drivers are awful! So when out driving, take caution and never ride too close, because people will slam on their breaks at the sight of a single drop of rain.