VCU and MCV Alumni Associations Present Police Department with 1,040 Personal Safety Devices

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The VCU and MCV Alumni Associations have purchased more than a thousand personal safety devices to be distributed to students by the VCU Police Department. Leaders of both associations presented the devices to police during an event on Jan. 17 at police headquarters.

The devices, supplied by Onyx Knight Enterprises, are small and can be clipped on a belt or backpack. Pulling out a pin activates a 130-decibel alert and pulsating lights.

“I believe this device will deter the person (would-be criminal) and make them run versus staying and confronting the victim,” said VCU Police Chief John Venuti. 

Sgt. Jonathan Siok proposed the idea of obtaining some of the devices as a deterrent.

“The whole goal is to maintain the safety of students and staff,” Siok said. 

After more than a year of careful research, police decided on this particular model and approached the VCU and MCV Alumni Associations about purchasing some for students. The associations decided to spend about $3,600 to purchase 1,040 of the devices. 

“We thought it was an important service for our students,” said Diane Stout-Brown,
Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Association executive director.

Police plan to raffle some of the devices off during safety presentations and will offer them to people who are concerned about their personal safety.