UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 26, Page 1
April 6, 1995
RADIO WATCH vehicles take the road on campus

     The University of Delaware is the newest member of the RADIO
WATCH community program.
     The network involves personnel with access to two-way
communication, primarily those who spend time in vehicles-to report
suspicious activity, street crimes, safety hazards, accidents, fires
and other emergency situations to appropriate authorities.
     Established in 1983 by Delmarva Power Co., the program has been
adopted by more than 40 private businesses and state governmental
agencies throughout the country, in such diverse services as cable
installation, utilities, paving and the construction trades.
     According to Gary Fullman, Delmarva Power manager of public
relations, "Through its participation, the University is demonstrating
that it is a valued member of the community and is concerned for the
safety and welfare of both students and area residents."
     Approximately 140 UD employees are involved in the program, and
the University's official participation began April 3. Two training
sessions for participants were conducted in late March by Delmarva
personnel and representatives of the New Castle County Police.
     Patty Benton-Fogg, Facilities Management, said participants
mainly are those working in the skilled trades, building services,
grounds and movers.
     The information and training sessions focused on proper
notification procedures, how to deal with people and the impact of the
RADIO WATCH logo on preventing crime, Fullman said. Each University
vehicle involved in the program now displays three stickers with RADIO
WATCH logos.
     According to New Castle County Police Officer Brian Cahill, who
conducted the campus training sessions, RADIO WATCH vehicles, with
immediate two-way communication, are a visible deterrent that has an
effect equal to that of a marked police car. Cahill said RADIO WATCH
personnel are asked only to report suspicious activity or emergency
situations, he said.
     Tom Vacha, assistant vice president of facilities, said, "The
University takes seriously its role as a member of the community, and
we are very pleased to join the RADIO WATCH network. It is the right
thing to do. I'm sure that those employees involved in RADIO WATCH
will make contributions to the program, and this involvement will help
make both the campus and the city of Newark a safer place for
students, residents and visitors."
     In 1985, RADIO WATCH won the President's Volunteer Award, the
highest award for citizen volunteering in America. In 1986, RADIO
WATCH was awarded the President's Citation for Private Sector
Initiatives.
                                                         -Ed Okonowicz