After the recent change in parking citations, students question if the University Police Department is more worried about parking tickets than public safety.

Garret Boyte, a junior communications major, said that issuing parking tickets after 5 p.m. makes it safer for residential students, but more dangerous for commuters.

Although it might seem this way, UPD sees it differently.

The purpose of issuing parking tickets after dark is to ensure safety, said Jonathon Emmons UPD Parking Manager.

Emmons said, “If we were more worried about parking tickets than safety, we would write everybody up for everything.”

According to Emmons, they are issuing parking tickets after 5 p.m. to commuters who are parked in residential parking.

Emmons wants to minimize the number of residents who are having to park in the over flow lot and walk back to their dorms.

In response to the Hawkeye POV, Officer In Charge Steven Mahon said the unattended police unit outside of the library is unattended because that officer is circulating on foot in between the library, SUB, Starbucks and the footbridge.

Sarah Little, a junior pre-pharmacy major, said, “ I believe that it is necessary to have someone patrolling the campus at all times.”

Mahon said this officer is utilized to increase student safety, not compromise it.

The number of parking tickets issued each semester is down by more than 4,000 tickets according to UPD. In the Fall of 2013, only 3,769 parking citations were given.

This brings up the question of why fewer parking tickets are being issued.

Kale Shirley, a sophomore risk management and insurance major, said that raising the cost of parking citations gave her a fear of getting a parking ticket.

“I do not have the money to pay a $50 ticket,” Shirley said.

Therefore, one reason for fewer parking tickets is because students cannot afford to pay for them.

Another reason for the decrease in parking tickets is because of a change in command in 2013. According to Emmons, when this change took place the issuing of parking tickets became very lax.

UPD sees safety as their number one priority.

Vice President Stephen Richters, who oversees the UPD, could not be reached for comment.

UPD offers a 24-hour escort service for students and employees. To utilize this service, call UPD at 342-5350 or use any of the call boxes located throughout campus.