Cell Phone Rough Draft.

From the Motorola Dyna TAC 8000X, which only made phone calls, to the latest phones such as the Blackberry Storm 2, Droid, and iPhone, which do things such as send texts in a matter of seconds and search the internet faster than a desktop could, technology has changed dramatically over the years.

Twenty years ago most people would have never imagined that cell phone usage has been banned in most states from even being used in a vehicle. After becoming one of the most important means of communication, 38 percent of households have even gotten rid of their landlines, because of their cell phones, with about 250 to 300 million cell phones being used in the United States.

Although the daily usage of making calls is higher than texting, 63 percent to be exact. Texting still has a very large impact. With Americans sending a total of 1 trillion texts in the year of 2008, teenagers sent an average of 1,500, being considered the largest users of texting. While in 2009, 94 percent of the overall texts sent in one year were from teens, although the usage for older ages has increased as well.

As I interviewed Natalie Ferryman, a 28 year old Dental Assistant, I asked, “How old were you when you got your first cell phone?” after sitting and thinking for a few seconds she was left puzzled. “I did not have one during high school, I remember that. I got my first cell phone the beginning of my sophomore year in college. And to think, my 13 year old step-son has one now.” And when I asked Judy Fogle, a 68 year old Realtor, the same thing she said, “I did not get a cell phone until my husband made me, he wants me to keep it in the car to be safe I guess. I never use it anyway, but do not tell him that.”

It is clear that cell phones are becoming more popular generation by generation. Even bringing something else that people twenty years ago would have never imagined, sexting, sending naked or vulgar images of either oneself or another person through a text message. Now banned in most schools and it has even gone so far that cell phone providers such as Verizon and AT&T are trying to put a stop to it. Fifty percent of people have admitted to flirting through a text, while 20 percent has admitted to sending a sext.

When I asked Ashley Jeter what she thinks about sexting she said, “I think it degrades people, and they don’t really think that it hurts them as much as it does. Even when a bad picture is being passed around high school, like I can remember happening a lot at my school, it can lead to horrible things not many people consider before they hit the send button.” With the rates getting out of control, not all people send sext, 37 percent of all photos that men send via cell phone are of poop that they send to their buddies.

For some fun facts, most cell phones have a full ounce of ear wax and dirt build up in the holes that cover the speakers. The most common word used in a text is not a word; it is in fact a letter, “r”. The number 2 is the most used cell phone number used, with 0 being the least. There are as many active cell phones on the planet as there are people. And up to 60 percent of the radiation that is emitted from a cell phone will be absorbed by the users head.

It is hard to imagine that cell phones have changed so much in the past 45 or so years. Even though there are many negative and positive affects that come from something that is used by almost every American today, the cell phone has become something that is hard to picture life without.

Loney Rough Draft

It takes a lot to shock Chief of Security, Carl Loney, because after eight years of being on the Wittenberg University Police Department things from, students running naked in the hallow to snakes popping out of flush valves in bathrooms, “It has all become a part of life” Chief Loney says.

After spending 30 years with the Sheriff’s Department, Chief Loney retired and decided to join to the Wittenberg Police Department. The force has fourteen officers including Loney, and also gets an average of 2,100 to 2,200 calls a month. Chief Loney explains, “We have full police authority, we are no different from Springfield police, Urbana police, or even Cincinnati police.”

“It’s not us against them; we’re really looking for the element that doesn’t belong.” Chief Loney went on to explain that when new members join the force he tries to explain the social environment around Wittenberg University to them, and to be lenient and help the students, instead of only try to get them in trouble.

When asked on a lighter note, “What is your reaction towards streaking the hallow?” Chief Loney smirked and said “Streaking the Hallow has been going on since day one. It ain’t like robbing a bank in my book. It’s ‘fun’ I guess if you will, but at least they aren’t breaking windows.” Streaking the Hallow began in 1971, and has now become a tradition among students.

Just like most other college campuses the biggest crime problem is alcohol infractions. However, Chief Loney said, “Students seem a little tamer these days, a little less wild.” Alcohol arrests have gone down 20 from 2008-2009.

One good thing about the Wittenberg University Police Department is the escort service. By calling a phone number the Police will drop you off, or pick you up in whatever kind of need. Even if it includes bars, and parties, “Just don’t vomit in our cars” Chief Loney said.

Escort services have increased to about 30 calls an hour on Friday and Saturday nights. Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. they get about ten calls an hour. That’s considered the busy time. Just wanting to make sure the students are safe, Chief Loney expresses the importance of having the escort service and to not be afraid to call them when someone is in need.

As far as sex crimes and date rape go on campus, Chief Loney said, “One if four students will be victimized.” He then explained that the statistics the Police Department has are not as accurate as they could be because of the crime not being reported that often. “Sex offenses, as we all know, are under reported. Do report it because you may prevent another person from getting victimized.”

As Chief Loney finished up the interview he expressed his love of working on a police force and with Wittenberg University students, “Things have changed for the better; the students seem a lot more respectful.”