For many years, students from the crime, law and justice department have interned with the State College Police Department.

Now, a feature has recently been added: the Highlands Neighborhood Watch Program.

Though there are currently four students participating, this is a positive step taken by both the university and State College. At the Jan. 23 Penn State Board of Trustees meeting, it was said that students reported 37 sexual assaults last semester. Something needed to be done to try to reduce the number of assaults. Having students patrol an area where students live is a good start.

The interns may not add much safety, but they do provide another set of eyes out there. They are only equipped with cellular phones, but they do wear distinctive clothing so people will know who they are.

But on the other side, the borough must make sure that the students do not get hurt. They do not have the same equipment as police officers. Dangerous situations can arise.

In regard to sexual assaults, the police can only do so much to stop them. It is up to the community at large to take responsibility. Area leaders should be commended for realizing this.

This is the first step for the residents to take back State College and not do it via vigilante tactics. This program could help start the foundation for a neighborhood watch. More volunteers can come from outside of the crime, law and justice department to step forward and help out on these patrols.

With more people available, the police may be able to expand this program to other parts of State College.

Besides making the State College safer, the program provides the interns with valuable experience. It does not teach people how to make photocopies and get coffee. The students get classroom training, ride along with the police and learn about testifying in court, among other things.

To make the community safer, it is going to take a large effort from all its members. Police and the interns cannot stop sexual assaults by themselves.

But fresh ideas could provide the best answers. Conventional ideas are good, but trying to think of solutions outside of the box, such as the Highlands Neighborhood Watch Program, can manufacture long-lasting solutions.