Normal Police Officer Brad Park encourages students to walk safely at night

NORMAL, Ill. — With fall in full swing, Normal Police Officer Brad Park advised students to stay vigilant while walking at night. 

 Park highlighted recent events in Uptown Normal, including “Ballin’ on Beaufort” and Halloween festivities.

“ISU put on a fantastic event for Ballin’ on Beaufort. Fall definitely seems to be a busy time for us, and we’ve engaged with the community a lot.”

The second annual Ballin’ on Beaufort saw a successful turnout, featuring students shooting hoops from rooftops, with the ISU Men’s and Women’s basketball teams facing off in a friendly matchup.

“We had a few officers on site to ensure everything went smoothly,” Park said. “It was a fantastic event.”

As temperatures drop and darkness arrives earlier, Park stressed the importance of safety.

“With this time of year, it’s getting darker sooner,”  Park said. “If you’re going to and from places, make sure you do so safely. If possible, walk with friends.”

Students are encouraged to prioritize their safety as the semester progresses. For resources on walking safely at night, the “Redbird Safe Walk” service offers 24/7 escorts to and from campus locations, bus stops, and nearby apartments. Requests can be made by calling (309) 438-WALK.

Both the Normal and ISU Police Departments recommend calling for help if you feel unsafe on campus.