Security Escort Service Hours Extended at Kent State

On the heels of a second armed robbery on campus this month, on Monday announced extended hours for its free Security Escort Service. The change is in effect now through spring break, which begins March 19.

The escort service – a program of the university’s Office of Safety and Security – is now available from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. every day, reported Emily Vincent, director of University Media Relations.

Any student, faculty or staff member can call 330-672-7004 for an escort anywhere on campus.

The escorts are provided by security aides, who are student employees that go through more than 100 hours of training before they are able to work security. That training, according to the university’s website, includes CPR, first aid, fire prevention and emergency procedures.

The aides have direct communication with the Kent State Police Department via two-way radios, Vincent said. Many campus residents are already familiar with the security aides, as they are the ones who patrol all residence halls.

According to the university’s website, Kent State’s Security Aide program is nationally recognized for excellence. The escort service is the most widely used service offered by the Security Aide program.

Before Monday’s announcement of extended hours, the service was available from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.