UBC beefs up security for last day of school block party
Over 100 security guards have been hired says Alma Mater Society
Around 10,000 students are expected to show up for the University of British Columbia's last day of school block party and organizers say there will be a heavy security presence.
"We have over a 100 security guards on top of all the staff," said Jenna Omassi Friday, vice-president of academic and university affairs with the Alma Mater Society.
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There have been increasing safety concerns as nine sexual assault cases on campus are still under investigation, with the latest incident occurring on March 25, 2016.
Omassi says the university's SafeWalk program and will also be on hand to help students tonight.The institution's sexual assault support centres are also on alert.
Football team gears up
The UBC football team will also be gearing up to help patrol the campus.
About 30 football players are going to act as 'Stay Safe Ambassadors' by walking in pairs to create a presence on the streets.
"By going out I think we can help the university population relax a bit," said Blake Nill, head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds football team.
"We are not going to be able to go out and change the attitude of perpetrators who want to engage in this kind of activity," said Nill, but he hopes the football team can make a positive contribution by volunteering time.
With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Catherine Rolfsen.
To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: UBC AMS block party taking extra precautions