Sgt. Marco Anderson demonstrates self-defense moves in Tuesday’s safety seminar with accounting instructor Philip Babin. Police Services showed basic self-defense techniques to be used as a last resort.
With the recent issues regarding campus safety, University of Memphis Police Services held a seminar Tuesday in the University Center River Room. This is one of many seminars the university has held this month.
Sgt. Marco Anderson demonstrates self-defense moves in Tuesday’s safety seminar with accounting instructor Philip Babin. Police Services showed basic self-defense techniques to be used as a last resort.
Sgt. Marco Anderson has been a U of M Police officer for 13 years and has worked at the Memphis Housing Authority for three years. The White Station graduate said at the seminar Police Services has one goal in mind.
“We want this university to be known as the safest campus in all of Tennessee,†he said. “It is what we strive to be.â€
The safety seminar was designed to keep all students and faculty aware of what takes place on campus. With more than 30 commissioned officers on campus, police patrol the area 24 hours a day. Anderson wanted those who attended to know safety is police services’ number one priority.
“Help us help you stay safe,†he said. “If you see something suspicious, please let us know. Criminals are very opportunistic creatures.â€
The university previously held seven active shooter seminars, all of which were held in the Rose Theatre. An eighth one was held at the university’s Collierville Center.
Anderson gave everyone attending the seminar basic safety tips as well as a quick self-defense lesson at the end. Police services hopes to teach students and faculty to be more cautious and use self-defense as a last result.
“Stay on alert and be on your toes,†he said. “Try to avoid walking on campus alone at night if you can. Also make sure to lock your doors and take your keys with you.â€
Accounting professor Phillip Babin was one faculty member who attended the seminar. He said this was the first time he has attended such a course.
“It was a good basic course to go to,†he said. “It’s something that is extremely important for all to know.â€
The topic of guns on campus has been highly debated recently. A concealed carry bill is currently working its way through state legislature.
If passed, the bill would give full-time employees who have a state issued permit the ability to carry a firearm on campus. Col. Ray Craft of Police Services expressed his displeasure with the bill.
“We’re not in agreement with it,†he said. “Its one of those things that we have been against for years. I think the less guns this campus has, the better.â€
Craft also believes the potential concealed carry bill could cause major problems if passed.
“Officer safety would be more at risk,†he said. “It adds to the list of things we have to guard against. If a faculty member or student were to get into an altercation, and an officer were to arrive on scene, it will be an even tougher situation to handle if they have firearms. We would need more training to better deal with that situation.â€
