Another forum in Iowa City last night focused on increased reports of assaults against women near campus. Chuck Green, the University of Iowa’s public safety director, introduced a new "Night Ride" program that will start this weekend.
Green says campus police will use a 15-passenger van to transport women from downtown to their dorms and apartments for free. Green says, "We will be using our security guards to pilot the van and also a part-time student guard who will be on the van as well." Plus, he says, they’ll be in close radio contact to report any problems.
Green says more vehicles could be added to the program if enough women utilize the service. Green says they looked at several other universities before deciding to launch this sort of program — on Homecoming weekend. More than 30 assaults against women have been reported in Iowa City in the past year. Police are looking for several suspects in connection with the attacks — including one man who fits the description given by the majority of victims.