Penn Watch prepares for patrols, holds training

Brett LevinsonBrett LevinsonDaily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer And if everything goes according to schedule, University Police will have an extra set of eyes and ears patrolling the neighborhood after spring break. To prepare for its first patrol, Penn Watch -- the student-run town watch and peer education organization founded by Wharton sophomore Jon Brightbill -- held its second training session last night. The training, conducted by Brightbill, Victim Support and Special Services director Maureen Rush, and University Police Officer John Willey consisted of familiarizing the students with the responsibilities of walking the streets of West Philadelphia. The students attending the training were also instructed about the proper use and display of their equipment. The Penn Watch members will be equipped with police scanners, radios in contact with University Police, flashlights, reflective vests and clipboards. Penn Watch radio transmissions will be monitored by both University Police Communications officers and a Victim Support official. Brad Whiteley-Murphy, a College sophomore at the training session, said, "Penn is not as safe as it could be. "I've known people who have been mugged, and I always think about it when I go out," he added. "It could happen to anybody." About 12 students attended the training session which lasted about two hours. Scott Rowin, a Wharton and Engineering sophomore who also attended the seminar, said he thought that working for Penn Watch "would be fun." Brightbill said approximately six students attended the first training seminar, and he expects even more at the upcoming sessions. Rush cautioned the students that their main priority was to remain safe and to always remain aware of their environment. Rush recalled that as a rookie on the Philadelphia Police Department, she once entered a convenience store without first looking around and unwittingly stumbled upon an armed robbery in progress. Students will have checkpoints at which they can rest, and receive food at a discount. And many local restaurants have offered discounts to Penn Watch members. Rush stressed that students should never intervene in a crime in progress and should only report incidents to the University Police communications officer. The Penn Watch members will patrol three general regions -- the Quadrangle area from Hamilton Walk to 40th Street, the Superblock area from 39th to 41st streets, and a Spruce Hill area from Market to Walnut streets and between 38th and 40th streets. The patrols will consist of either two or three students and will run Sunday to Thursday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.