As of Summer 2006, all 911 calls made on the UTM campus have been redirected to the Martin Police Department Dispatch, but don’t worry, it is still the Department of Public Safety’s goal to keep all occupants of UTM safe.

Before this summer, all emergency calls made on campus were directed to Public Safety Dispatch; however, changes in state regulations soon altered this method.

Public Safety Lieutenant Ray Coleman said that the state changed the requirements for communication centers across the state, which included some new technology and resources. Therefore, to meet all of these state requirements, all 911 calls made on the UTM campus will now be redirected to the Martin Police Department Dispatch.

Coleman said these new requirements have made the communications centers more coordinated. He continued by saying that these systems combine all emergency responders [fire, police, ambulance] into one, which then “streamlines notification and coordination of all responding agencies.”

“The better the coordination, the better the response,” said Coleman as he emphasized the importance of responding to the occupants of UTM.

Although Public Safety Dispatch will no longer receive direct 911 calls as of approximately July 1, 2006, Public Safety will be on their toes to help those in need on the UTM campus. Coleman said that Public Safety is in direct contact with the Martin Police Department and that they will be there to respond.

“The only thing that has changed is where the call is coming from,” Coleman said. “Nothing has changed as far as responses.”

Martin Police Department Dispatch will simply dispatch the Public Safety officers and the other emergency services needed in an emergency. It will not take emergency services any longer to respond to the scene than normal.

“I think it [redirection of calls] will enhance the safety of UTM public with the new technology that is becoming available, as well as the new resources that are becoming available with the new communication system,” said Coleman.

Public Safety Dispatch will continue to serve the UTM campus with the utmost diligence to protect its students, faculty and staff. They will work with the Martin Police Department, maintain the police log and handle all other incoming calls to help meet the needs of those on campus.

If you feel that your safety is in danger, do not hesitate to call Public Safety or 911 by the way of your cell phone, dorm room telephone or emergency callboxes located in various places on campus. Put your safety first, by being aware of what is going on around you. Public Safety and the Martin Police Department will be there to protect you when you need it; however, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.