[Randolph Merced]

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[Steve Schemine]

We removed our emergency call boxes (blue light phones) about 10 years ago because the only calls we were getting from them were prank calls, the high cost of maintaining them when considering their lack of use, and due to the prevalence of mobile phones.

——————————
Steve Schemine
Deputy Chief of Police
Columbus State Community College
Columbus OH
United States
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:35
From: Randolph Merced
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[John Ross]

We currently have approximately 230 “Blue Light” emergency phones installed across our campus. All of these units are actively maintained and undergo monthly testing. While actual usage remains minimal-often limited to accidental activations or students having fun after events-they continue to serve an important symbolic and practical role. Our campus community consistently reports feeling safer simply by seeing them present, and our outreach unit reinforces this by conducting periodic safety walks throughout the academic year.

In addition to their original purpose, we’ve begun repurposing many of these phones as platforms for surveillance cameras, as they already have power and network connectivity and provide excellent elevated mounting locations.

Monthly testing is organized through our communications center. Department personnel perform both functional checks and physical inspections to ensure operability. The results are submitted to either our telecom team (for phone line issues) or our maintenance group (for lighting repairs). Any necessary repairs are tracked and confirmed during the following month’s inspection.

If a unit is found to be non-functional, we clearly mark it as inoperable by bagging it. This not only helps manage expectations but also serves as a precaution to reduce liability. Maintaining this process within our department ensures accountability, as we’ve found that other campus units may not fully appreciate the critical nature of these devices’ operational status.

——————————
John Ross
Captain – Administrative and Technical Services Bureau
Towson University Police
Towson, MD
USA
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:45
From: Steve Schemine
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

We removed our emergency call boxes (blue light phones) about 10 years ago because the only calls we were getting from them were prank calls, the high cost of maintaining them when considering their lack of use, and due to the prevalence of mobile phones.

——————————
Steve Schemine
Deputy Chief of Police
Columbus State Community College
Columbus OH
United States
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:35
From: Randolph Merced
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[Brian Lintz]

The college got rid of the ones in the parking lots before I got here 6 years ago.? We had three left attached to the walls of the buildings.? Those were removed two years ago because they were due to be replaced.? Most of the community was unaware that they were even there.? The only calls they had recorded in over three years were the officers’ test calls, so the cost of replacement was not justified.

——————————
Brian Lintz
Chief of Campus Police
Carroll Community College
Westminster MD
United States
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:45
From: Steve Schemine
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

We removed our emergency call boxes (blue light phones) about 10 years ago because the only calls we were getting from them were prank calls, the high cost of maintaining them when considering their lack of use, and due to the prevalence of mobile phones.

——————————
Steve Schemine
Deputy Chief of Police
Columbus State Community College
Columbus OH
United States
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:35
From: Randolph Merced
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[Adrian Navarrete]

Same here, no none uses them (which is a good thing) but the students and parents like to see them. We continue to maintain them, we do weekly test to check that they are working. No plans to discontinue them. 

——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 5/7/2025 11:35:00 AM
From: Randolph Merced
Subject: RE: Emergency Call Boxes

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[Donna Grossi]

Good morning,

I can agree that the cost of replacement is not justified by the volume of calls received through these devices. We’ve phased out three in the past two years that needed repaired/replaced. I’ve spoken with many parents who are reassured by the presence of these devices although not used.

I created a QR code that populates our department’s emergency number and have affixed that to the front of each call box. When parents inquire about the blue light call boxes, I explain that the system is somewhat antiquated due to the prevalence of cell phone use- the stationary box requires a stationary caller while the QR code allows them to scan and call while moving to safety.?Additionally, when presented with an opportunity to speak to parents and students, I encourage each to save our emergency number into their devices.?

I’ve attached a copy of the QR code if you’re interested in reviewing or testing its functionality.?

Respectfully,

Donna Grossi

——————————
Donna Grossi
Chief of Police
Chatham University
Pittsburgh PA
United States
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 11:35
From: Randolph Merced
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hi Perry,

I hope you’re doing well. At Seattle University, we have several talk-a-phone poles on campus that are nearing the end of their lifespan, and the costs to repair them have been significant. However, after consideration, the university has decided to keep them in place, as they play an important role in fostering a sense of safety on campus-particularly during parent tours.

I agree with your observation that usage is minimal, especially since most students rely on personal cell phones to contact Public Safety. Still, their presence remains valuable for perception.

Hope this provides clarity. Also, please pass along my regards to Susan Cussins when you see her.

Best regards,
Randy Merced

——————————
Randolph Merced
Seattle University
Seattle WA
United States
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2025 10:39
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry?

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

Emergency phone sticker_proof.pdf 24 KB PDF - Click to view

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[Douglas Williard]

Mid-Atlantic:  Our department manages our Personnel Early Intervention System (PEIS) through manual reviews & checks.  If your agency utilizes an automated system that you like, please forward me information on the system or provide a dept. contact.

 

Kind regards,  Doug

 

Doug Williard, CLEE  |  Lieutenant

Columbus State Police Department

COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

499 East Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

DEPT (614) 287-2525

OFFICE (614) 287-5275  |  dwilliar@cscc.edu

FAX (614) 287-5403

 

 

Confidentiality Notice:

Doug Williard and Columbus State Community College intend that this message be used exclusively by the addressee(s).  This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  Unauthorized disclosure or use of this information is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please permanently dispose of the original message and notify Doug Williard immediately at (614) 287-5275.  Further, be advised that this e-mail and any reply thereto may constitute a public record pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43(A)(1).

——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 5/7/2025 10:40:00 AM
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————

[James Mitrione]

We also employ over 25 blue light call boxes and have the security guard service check them for functionality weekly.  Very rarely used but create a great safety piece to the campuses for students and parents knowing the immediate availability to call security if they are not in possession of a cellular phone.   

 

 

Sincerely,

 

James M. Mitrione

DIRECTOR

PACE UNIVERSITY

SAFETY & SECURITY DEPARTMENT
861 Bedford Road

Pleasantville, NY 10570

Phone: 914-773-3234

Fax: 914-773-3980

Email:jmitrione@pace.edu

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:

The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.

 

 

On May 7, 2025, at 7:01 



Mid-Atlantic: Our department manages our Personnel Early Intervention System (PEIS) through manual reviews & checks. If your agency utilizes an…

Mid-Atlantic Post New Message   Re: Emergency Call Boxes Reply to Group Online Reply to Sender May 7, 2025 7:01 PM Douglas Williard Mid-Atlantic:  Our department manages our Personnel Early Intervention System (PEIS) through manual reviews & checks.  If your agency utilizes an automated system that you like, please forward me information on the system or provide a dept. contact.   Kind regards,  Doug   Doug Williard, CLEE  |  Lieutenant Columbus State Police Department COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 499 East Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 DEPT (614) 287-2525 OFFICE (614) 287-5275  |  dwilliar@cscc.edu FAX (614) 287-5403     Confidentiality Notice: Doug Williard and Columbus State Community College intend that this message be used exclusively by the addressee(s).  This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  Unauthorized disclosure or use of this information is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please permanently dispose of the original message and notify Doug Williard immediately at (614) 287-5275.  Further, be advised that this e-mail and any reply thereto may constitute a public record pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43(A)(1).   Reply to Group Online   View Thread   Recommend   Forward   ——————————————- Original Message: Sent: 5/7/2025 10:40:00 AM From: Perry Soule Subject: Emergency Call Boxes Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts? I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems. Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide. Best regards, Perry  —————————— Perry Soule Director – Campus Safety The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park NY United States ——————————   You are subscribed to "Mid-Atlantic" as jmitrione@pace.edu. To change your subscriptions, go to My Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to Unsubscribe. If you are unable to login contact info@iaclea.org to be unsubscribed.

——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 5/7/2025 7:01:00 PM
From: Douglas Williard
Subject: RE: Emergency Call Boxes

Mid-Atlantic:  Our department manages our Personnel Early Intervention System (PEIS) through manual reviews & checks.  If your agency utilizes an automated system that you like, please forward me information on the system or provide a dept. contact.

 

Kind regards,  Doug

 

Doug Williard, CLEE  |  Lieutenant

Columbus State Police Department

COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

499 East Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

DEPT (614) 287-2525

OFFICE (614) 287-5275  |  dwilliar@cscc.edu

FAX (614) 287-5403

 

 

Confidentiality Notice:

Doug Williard and Columbus State Community College intend that this message be used exclusively by the addressee(s).  This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  Unauthorized disclosure or use of this information is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please permanently dispose of the original message and notify Doug Williard immediately at (614) 287-5275.  Further, be advised that this e-mail and any reply thereto may constitute a public record pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43(A)(1).

——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 5/7/2025 10:40:00 AM
From: Perry Soule
Subject: Emergency Call Boxes

Hello, I wanted to ask about the emergency call boxes installed around our campus. Have any organizations considered removing them recently due to factors such as limited usage, since most students carry cell phones, or challenges in sourcing replacement parts?

I’m interested in understanding how you are approaching the maintenance and future of these systems.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

Best regards,

Perry 

——————————
Perry Soule
Director – Campus Safety
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park NY
United States
——————————