Student safety recommendations from a ride-along with our very own police officer

Student safety is one of the biggest concerns for students, parents, faculty and everyone who’s a part of the Binghamton University community, especially for those living in or visiting off-campus areas. I had the opportunity to go on a ride-along with Officer Chris Governanti, the police liaison between Binghamton University and the city of Binghamton. Not only did I get to witness what he does on the job, but also I learned some important tips that all students should know to keep themselves and their property safe.

When I arrived at the Binghamton Police Station, I was greeted by Governanti, who gave me a quick tour of the building and my own bullet-proof vest to wear before we hopped into his patrol car and began the ride-along. During his shifts, he mainly patrols areas where students live, driving around neighborhoods to monitor quality of life for residents. While riding around, I had plenty of time to ask him questions about how students can use him as a resource and stay safe off campus.

Trust your gut

One of the most common things Governanti said he’s noticed on the job is that students are buried in their phones and not paying attention to what’s happening around them.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “Listen to your gut. If you feel like something isn’t right, it’s probably not. Don’t be afraid to call 911. We’re here to help.”

Don’t leave valuables in vehicles

Recently, there has been a growing student concern about break-ins and thefts in downtown parking garages and parking lots, so naturally, I asked about it. Governanti explained that more of these incidents are being reported because more students are buying spots in the parking garages. He also said that, in many of these cases, valuables were visible from the outside of vehicles.

“Don’t leave your purse and laptop and wallet in plain view in your vehicle,” said Governanti, “Thieves will see them, and that’s when break-ins happen.”

To avoid these situations, Governanti recommended that students take their valuables with them, but if they must leave them in their car, they should hide them under a seat or in the glove compartment. The bottom line, he said, is if thieves don’t see anything in your car worth stealing, chances are, they’ll leave it alone.

Keep your property safe

As we continued navigating the unusually quiet nighttime streets of Binghamton – it was a slow night, according to Governanti – I asked him to share information about safety during school breaks. With the fall break coming up, and Thanksgiving and winter breaks not too far off, Governanti had some important insight.

“People who are going to commit crimes know the University schedule, including when breaks are,” Governanti said.

Because of this, students should be mindful when preparing to leave their apartments or homes for school breaks. Governanti suggested that students shouldn’t leave all their valuable items behind, such as computers, TVs and video game consoles. Students should take these items with them when they go home, especially for the longer winter break.

Check out additional safety recommendations about securing your property during breaks.

Stay alert when downtown

Goveranti also shared valuable tips for students visiting downtown or other areas off campus:

• Know where you’re going.
  
• Walk in well-lit areas.
  
• Have a plan to leave before large crowds form; you don’t want to be waiting in long bus lines.
  
• Leave headphones out of your ears or keep the volume low.
  
• Stay off your cell phone unless absolutely necessary.
  
• Don’t walk alone; travel in groups.
  
• Keep your head up and remain alert at all times.
  

Toward the end of my ride-along, we met up with two other police officers who patrol the downtown area. They reiterated Governanti’s central message: Be aware of your surroundings and walk in groups.

Reach out when you have concerns

Whether students live on or off campus, Governanti is a resource. He’s done everything from telling students what to do when they get their first parking ticket and don’t want to tell their parents, to speaking to loud neighbors who keep students up at night, to helping students arrange benefits for police officers and firemen. Primarily, his job is to put students in touch with the right contacts for anything they may need that’s student-, school- or community-related. He can be reached during his office hours, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at the University Downtown Center, Room 229.

“The best way to contact me is by email,” said Governanti. “But if you need immediate help, call 911!”

Contact Officer Governanti at cgovernanti@cityofbinghamton.com.

Additional safety tips for students are available online.

For a previous story on Officer Governanti, go online.