The new parking structure is designed with safety in mind by utilizing both new and old techniques to help protect students and their vehicles.
Parking Structure 2, located in Lot 11, was built with safety features that were planned in the design of the new structure.
“We start with the basics. That is the lighting level,” said Thomas Bass, senior director of Parking, Transportation and Event Services. “That’s been designed so that it has ample lighting throughout the structure and the surrounding areas.”
“Inherent in the design is a wide open structure so that students inside can see out without a problem, and passersby can see into the structure,” Bass said.
“I park here every day,” said Christina Flores, a junior recreation major. “I’ve never felt unsafe. There is easy access to emergency phones and it’s very well-lit.”
An interesting safety feature built into the structure is the glass elevators. This allows students to see out of the elevators and be seen while riding in the elevators, according to Bass.
The parking structure is patrolled both by University Police and Parking Services, adding to the level of protection of the vehicles left in the structure while students are in class.
“As soon as you drive into the structure there’s a sign that tells you campus police patrol the structure,” said senior geology major Daniel Lara after parking his car in the structure.
There is a sign that was specifically requested by CSULB President F. King Alexander to help promote the safety of the structure, Bass said.
One safety feature that is non-existent in the parking structure is security cameras.
“Closed-circuit cameras in and of themselves do not enhance security,” said Bass. “You have to be able to staff the monitoring of the cameras.”
According to the University Police media log, there has been only one reported lost vehicle and one report of a suspicious vehicle in the structure.
Bass urged that we all help each other with safety.
“We’re all in it together. If we see something that looks a little odd, don’t hesitate to use the emergency phones.”