Unused blue phones costly, discontinued

After seven years of use, the Contra Costa Community District has decided to remove the emergency blue phones from its campuses, replacing them with a college watch program.

Contra Costa, Diablo Valley and Los Medanos colleges were all subject to the removal of the emergency phones after the district made the decision to discontinue their use due to the phones' lack of use by students and their expensive costs.

"The phones have been very expensive, costing the district a total of more than $300,000," Police Services Chief Charles Gibson said.

The blue phones, which were located in lighted blue booths throughout the campuses, were used by students and staff to notify Police Services in the case of an emergency. To use the phone, one would simply press a red button at the phone booth and answer the phone to be connected immediately to a Police Services.

"The blue phones were able to work in three ways," Gibson said. "By cellular, land line and solar powered."

Despite having three alternative ways to function, the blue phones were often disabled due to either a low batteries or not enough solar power.

"We would always have a problem with the phones dying out as the batteries would die out," Gibson said. "Sometimes (the phones wouldn't work) due to a lack of sunshine hitting the phones."

Gibson also said students would rarely  use the emergency phones as most students carry cell phones now.

With the lack of students actually using the phones and the continuing durability problems, the district came to a decision to remove the phones from all three district colleges before the start of the fall semester.

"We just came to the conclusion that we were spending a lot of money for the phones," Gibson said. "Eventually the Chancellor's Cabinet approved our decision and insisted on going ahead and using the 4CD College Watch."

The 4CD College Watch program will be administered in a similar way to that of a neighborhood watch program, as signs will be displayed and a watch team will be formed by Police Services. Also when an emergency occurs students are now to dial 911 from their cell phones.

"The College Watch Program is all about protection and being aware of your surroundings," Gibson said. "People can call in anonymously and report something suspicious happening on campus or in the area."

CCC students have differing opinions about the removal of the phones.

"Removing the phones is somewhat of a good change because it saves the school money," nursing student Katrina Luna said. "I think the watch (program) will be useful."

Student Esther Padilla said, "I think the (blue) phones were more effective and students may not be as dependable since they (may) not be around in that time of emergency."

With the addition of the 4CD College Watch, district and Police Services officials are hoping that it creates a safer environment on campus.

"The blue phones never provided safety," Gibson said. "I think the college watch will be successful, adding to the safety of the college campuses."

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.