As I was walking home from the Curriculum Materials Center early one Monday evening, something struck me as peculiar. In the tiny parking lot behind Sparks building, three University policemen were checking parking stickers on cars and issuing the proper citations for those illegally parked. At Penn State, this in itself is not at all unusual. Everyone gets parking violations here.

What did strike me as peculiar -- and later, quite bothersome -- was the fact that there were three policemen in this tiny lot. Why?

Certainly this would not have been too overwhelming a task for one person. Why couldn't two of the men, (or even just one), do something that is, in my opinion much more important -- the task of patrolling the campus in an effort to protect the student body especially vulnerable women.

With thoughts like this racing through my mind, I took the time to share my concern with one of the officers. The policeman first told me that in the many years he has been with the University Police Services, not once had he seen a woman attacked.

Furthermore, he told me that despite what we may hear, our campus is very safe. Finally, this man told me that the amount of money needed to make this campus crime-free would be outrageous.

His response, instead of helping me understand, raised more questions. I wonder if this man thinks that perhaps the reason why he never witnesses attacks is because his presence deters these violent crimes.

We'll never know how many women have not been accosted because of the presence of an authority figure. And concerning his claim that this campus is safe, I am certain that if a survey was taken today, most women, including myself, would strongly disagree with him.

As far as the issue of money is concerned surely the cause would justify the cost. I am not versed in the ways of funding protection programs -- and I'm not even sure that they are the answer to this problem.

The solution involves a careful utilization of the resources this University already has. Why ask for more funding when there is a seemingly unnecessary abundance of officers issuing parking tickets at a time when they are needed more somewhere else?

The purpose of this letter is not to answer those who say "women shouldn't be walking alone at night anyway," or "Women put themselves in dangerous positions," or even, "What were you doing walking behind Sparks on a Monday night?"

The fact of the matter is that within a campus of thousands of women, some are going to walk alone at night. The fact of the matter is that some are going to be attacked. And the fact of the matter is that while this happens, our police are working in groups of three to snag parking violators. Why?

I want to add that I am not overlooking the positive contributions that this University offers -- including the Escort Service. And I admire those in the Police Services for their dedication to a public service -- one that upholds the law and protects the people.

Everyone recognizes that campus parking is a problem. But doesn't the safety of the public far surpass the need of regulating parking?

I think that Penn State has conflicting priorities. What is more important to this University -- revenue or safety?

To be honest, I'm almost afraid of the answer. I'd like to believe that this school truly cares for the well-being of myself and others.

I'd like to believe that it is merely an illusion that the University puts money first and its students second. But how can I when I notice three policemen busily writing up parking tickets and no one in the unlit, remote areas on campus.

It is not the purpose of this letter to offend or condemn the University or the University Police Services. I am confused.

The questions that I have raised are still unanswered and concerned students like myself would appreciate a response to help us understand.