Lisa Simmons, Union’s crime prevention specialist, is looking forward to her new role ensuring the security of the college community.
“I like knowing that I’m part of maintaining this wonderful campus,” Simmons said. “My job is to assist campus safety in its ongoing efforts to continue providing a safe campus for everyone, whether students or faculty.”
Simmons, who was Albany’s first black female police officer, spent 20 years with the Albany Police Department. She retired from the force in 2007 and took a year off to spend with her young daughter before joining the Union staff in December.
In assisting campus safety with its duties, Simmons is responsible for conducting crime prevention programs, and preparing and sharing crime prevention information. She will also serve on various committees within the college community.
While she’s been here only a short time, Simmons is already actively engaging Union faculty, staff and students in safety discussions. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, she’ll participate in a program called RESIST, or Rape Education, Safety and Instinctive Self-Defense Techniques.
“It’s designed to educate participants in various safety techniques, like being alert and aware of your surroundings,” Simmons said. “The program also provides advice on reducing or eliminating opportunities for victimization, plus there’s a component that teaches basic self-defense tactics.”
Steve Leavitt, dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs, said the newly created position comes after discussions in the fall with sororities and other student groups interested in promoting safety on campus.
“We felt it was important to develop better communication between Campus Safety and students and to educate students about safety,” he said. “It could be something as simple as locking doors.”
Student Government President Jillian Bannister ’09 agrees that communication is important and that the College made a good decision hiring Simmons.
“I think it’s a great move,” she said. “I’m interested to see where it goes. It couldn’t do anything but be a positive thing.”
Simmons’ office is located in College Park Hall. She can be reached at simmonsl@union.edu. For more information on safety-related resources available to the campus community, go to: www.union.edu/safety.