Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Nicholas R. Wright / Daily Staff San Jose State University students can call the University Police Department by pressing the help button on the blue-light phones located throughout the campus. Fourteen new phones were installed last semester, and [Click to enlarge]

Don Baker, the interim associate vice president of University Computing and Telecommunications, said the department is aware of a problem with dispatchers not being able to hear some callers.

"Phones are there for public safety, and we take it seriously if a phone is broken," Baker said.

The University Police Department purchased the phones for installation last semester, and the Network and Telecommunications Services department took over the maintenance, Baker said. An anonymous maintenance employee who works with Baker said the telecommunications department has not been able to duplicate the problem during testing.

Sgt. Jenny Pak of the UPD said she is aware there have been reports of troublesome blue-light phones.

"We have new equipment right now that we're just kind of fine-tuning," she said. "Sometimes the dispatcher can't hear the students."

Pak said the campus police are currently working with the Network and Telecommunications Services department and Code Blue, the manufacturer of the phones, to find out what the problem is.

San Jose State University has installed 14 new blue-light phones on campus.

Each phone is mounted at chest level on a blue pole that is nearly 10 feet tall. The phone has a single button that connects directly to the campus police.

These phones are not only for emergencies but also can be used for getting directions around campus as well as for requesting an escort to walk through campus at night.

Hector Rivera, an account manager for Siemens Building Technology, said SJSU uses Code Blue V model phones, which cost $2,945 apiece including custom graphics that read "University Police."

Rivera didn't know exactly how much was paid for the phones but said SJSU paid less than the listed price. Installation was not included.

Rivera said the phones are still under warranty, but Baker said he hasn't received any warranty information.

The new phones were installed to increase safety around campus and to provide better access for people with disabilities, Baker said.

Diana Tran, the community relations coordinator of University Housing Services, said she hasn't heard of any students complaining about blue-light phone problems.

Tran said that, during campus tours, the blue-light phones provide a sense of campus safety for visitors.

"As part of the housing tour, we do point out the blue-light phones," she said. "I can imagine it making people feel better, especially knowing the UPD building is right behind them."

If anyone has a problem with a blue-light phone, Pak said students could try calling from a different one or use a cell phone to connect to the UPD by dialing (408) 924-2222. She said if anyone wants to report a crime, they could also use any pay phone on campus for free to dial 911.

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