‘Who do you know here’ is a phrase that has become synonymous with Greek Life around the United States. This week, it will be associated with a local community effort that aims to curtail crime during Shippensburg University’s homecoming weekend.

“Our problem has been outsiders coming in, causing problems,” said Stephen Old, a Shippensburg Township supervisor, in regard to the increase in crime that occurs on weekends like homecoming.

The effort that is being spearheaded by the Responsible Raiders — a group of students that advocates for safe and responsible off-campus behavior — is being dubbed the “Richard Avenue Takeover.” It is a collaboration between Shippensburg Township, Vigilance Security, the Shippensburg Borough Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Cumberland County Sherriff’s department, the Oasis of Love church and the Responsible Raiders.

During the takeover — which is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday — students and community members can expect to see increased security at places like Richard Avenue, Bard Townhouses, Rocktowne, Madison, Creekside and Brookside Courts and the Rocky Knob apartments — also known as fraternity row.

In addition, traffic will be diverted from Richard Avenue and High Street between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. However, the thoroughfare will remain open to allow a path in case of emergency.

Perhaps the biggest undertaking, though, has been the group’s attempt to register student, alumni and guest’s information. They will be issued wristbands to allow for speedy identification by security groups and law enforcement.

“With this registration process, now we have names; now we have contact information; we can trace who was invited by who,” said Julia Wiengand, president of the Responsible Raiders.

Even though sidewalks and streets are public property and a wristband is not required to utilize them, the idea is to empower students to tell uninvited guests to leave.

“When they’re on your property — you’re right there — they’re trespassing, unless you’ve invited them,” Oldt said. “If they’re not invited, they don’t have wristbands, they’re not your friends, or whatever, they’re out of here.”

Oldt said security will be present to help if trespassers refuse to leave. Jerome Kater, the Shippensburg regional supervisor of Vigilance Security noted that his group will be a buffer between students and the PSP.

The takeover has provided students the ability to have fun within the framework of the law. Friday will include a DJ, who is scheduled to play on High Street.

Ann Wendle, the director of drug and alcohol services at Shippensburg University and adviser to the Responsible Raiders, stressed that the takeover is not intended to restrict anyone’s rights or to be a block party.

“It’s just taking what already exists, and making it safer,” Wendle said.

Anyone interested in registering themselves or a guest can find a link on Twitter or Facebook by searching ‘Responsible Raiders’. The Oasis of Love church will also be operating a ‘registration station’ from 8–11 p.m. on Friday by 205 North Queen St. Students and guests will need identification in order to receive a wristband. 

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