Students will soon have the opportunity to help the police better protect them.

In order to gather more information on victimization and safety on campus, University Police Services is surveying students, faculty and staff.

The police will begin mailing 5,000 surveys this week to gather information about student victimization on campus. A different survey will be sent to staff members. Students and staff must return the self-addressed surveys to University Police Services by Feb. 15.

After the results are compiled, a public report on student and staff perceptions of campus safety will be released and may result in a reallocation of resources.

However, the survey's success depends on the willingness of students and staff members to fill out the form and return it on time. As long as the surveys remain unopened on students' desk, campus police cannot make the necessary changes to improve campus safety.

The multiple-choice surveys are virtually work-free. So there are no excuses for failing to complete the form.

The surveys also provide space for students to write additional comments. To encourage truthfulness and complete answers, the survey is anonymous.

For once, students are being given the chance to voice their concerns. We should not let this opportunity pass without taking advantage of it.