A new police substation adjacent to Zelzah Avenue near the dormitories will offer many opportunities and services to residents and the nearby community, the University Police Department indicates.

Residents and community members will be able to voice their concerns at the new police substation, as well as at the Parking and Public Safety building on the corner of Prarie and Darby streets, said Christina S. Villalobos, special assistant to the chief of police and community relations officer.

“They basically took a facility, converted and reconstructed it,” Villalobos said. “It’s a functioning police department with officers, administration and a holding cell as well. It’s a regular jail.”

Hours of operation will be between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. at the new police substation, “where both literature and assistance can be given,” Villalobos said.

Specialty officers at the new police substation comprise the Community Placing Team, which will be available to protect and serve students who live on campus.

“Out of our 27 officers who make up our department, two new officers will be selected every academic year to patrol the housing community and develop partnerships with the community,” Villalobos said.

Central to the Community Placing Team will be to patrol the housing community and become involved its day-to-day life, Villalobos said.

Anna Gutierrez, a receptionist for the Parking and Public Safety building, said, “It’s definitely a big change, but it’s a nicer atmosphere than when it was located in the dorms.

“It’s more visible and professional,” Villalobos said.

Marilyn Goldsmith, another receptionist at the public safety building, said, “It’s a beautiful station. It’s much more interactive and feels more apart of campus.”

The University Police Department is also focusing more improving traffic safety on and around the campus.

Villalobos said, “Last year, as a result of community concern with drivers, we are pushing the Project P.E.D., Pedestrian Enforcements and Deterrents program.”

“We are really cracking down on it ? revitalizing it this year even more,” Villalobos said.

There were 76 collisions on campus in 2006, and there have been 34 collisions on campus this year, Villalobos said.

Part of the effort by the University Police Department to prevent more collisions involves educating the campus community on traffic safety.

Vehicle Safety 10, an hour-long class on public safety, will be offered by the police.

“It’s the first time it’s being offered, but will be something offered on an annual basis,” Villalobos said.

Another service offered by University Police Department is the Amber Light Program, “which supplies 10 parking lot officers here at CSUN that patrol the campus at night with their amber lights, provide jump-starts and key lockouts for anyone who needs their aid,” Villalobos said.

Matador Patrol is another service offered to campus community.

Forty students who provide safety escorts from dusk until 11 p.m. comprise Matador Patrol.

“They are equipped with radios connected to police dispatch so they can report to the station,” Villalobos said.

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