The Hatchet’s editorial board addresses Chief Kevin Hay in a letter listing the ways in which UPD can improve.

Dear Chief Hay,

In an Aug. 16th Hatchet article, you noted that one of your primary goals is to learn UPD’s strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly. While we don’t presume to know more than your new department, The Hatchet’s editorial board considered your plan and has compiled a list of areas in which UPD should improve.

UPD has promoted its 4-RIDE shuttle service to increase students’ safety while walking across campus late at night. But in practice, it is notorious for being plagued by a slow response time, especially on weekends and nights of inclement weather. In the same Aug. 16th interview, you stated that you are aware of the time complaints. But you should expand the 4-RIDE program so that students who feel uncomfortable with their surroundings can reach a 4-RIDE dispatcher, be picked up and escorted home quickly. UPD should also make it clear that a student waiting on hold for a 4-RIDE does have the option of calling the direct police line if he or she feels he or she is in imminent danger.