Recent state funding cuts threaten to compromise many vital University services, including safety.

But safety is one area where the University cannot afford a compromise.

Luckily University Police Services has taken some creative measures to make ends meet.

Its innovative methods in dampening the effects of the budget cuts by creatively using resources should be recognized.

Police are implementing more foot patrols in place of car patrols. Foot patrols will save money by cutting back on car patrols' operating costs such as gas and rental fees.

And more police officers on foot may actually make the University safer. Visible police officers walking around campus could deter more crime than officers patrolling in a car. Interaction between foot patrols and members of the community might provide a clearer picture of the crime on campus.

The police also plan to use more student assistants and cadets to help keep costs down and fulfill the work left undone by the University-wide hiring freeze. About 85 students assistants and 11 cadets in the administration of justice program will do the work of full-time staff positions that cannot be filled.

In the face of these tough economic times, University departments need to be innovative and cut costs without drastically cutting services.

Recent state funding cuts have placed many vital aspects of the University in danger. As campus crime becomes a more visible issue on universities across the country, Penn State cannot afford to skimp on safety.

So far, the University police can be commended for maintaining a certain level of safety while facing major budget cuts.