After a series of incidents on campus last weekend, safety issues have come to the forefront at UT this week.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, two strong-armed robberies, a purse snatching and a sexual assault occurred on and around campus. Two people have been arrested in connection with the robberies, Sandra Harrison, 39, of Lenoir City, and Travis Cozart, 33, of Loudon County. Police believe they were working together. 

"The UT Police Department is very happy to have made an arrest and identified suspects in these cases so quickly," said Keith Lambert, special operations captain of the UTPD. "It is a community effort to ensure safety. When the community gives us input, such as notifying us about suspicious people, the campus will ultimately be safer."

When the community gives us input, such as notifying us about suspicious people, the campus will ultimately be safer. Keith Lambert, UTPD special operations captainSince the incidents occurred, UTPD has sent three e-mails to UT students, staff and faculty with information about how to stay safe on campus. 

UTPD urges people to take precautions around campus by avoiding walking through poorly lit and shortcut areas.

People who work or have class late are encouraged to ride the "T," which offers several night routes throughout campus and Fort Sanders. From 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., T:Link on-demand night service sends vans to pick people up by request. 

UTPD also encourages people to contact them if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable on campus.

"If you see somebody that is suspicious on campus please contact UT Police as soon as possible," Lambert said. 

In an emergency situation, more than 100 Blue Light Phones located throughout campus allow people to connect directly with a 911 operator. The red button on the phone calls 911; the smaller black button contacts the T:Link transportation dispatcher.

The UT Student Government Association passed bills Tuesday to add two new Blue Light Phones near Fraternity Park and to test the phones once a month, rather than once a semester. 

UTPD assures students that incidents such as the ones from last weekend are not common on campus. Investigators believe the suspects were targeting UT because of its large pedestrian population.

"The University of Tennessee is a safe campus and our officers strive to promote even a safer environment," Lambert said.