Ever wondered what steps your community is taking to ensure everyone’s safety on a night out? Clemson University and its partners are introducing Green Screen test kits to combat suspected drink spiking. This proactive move offers crucial support. What do you think about these new safety measures?
Clemson University, in a proactive move to enhance student well-being and campus safety, has forged a vital partnership with the City of Clemson and Prisma Health. This collaborative effort introduces the Green Screen test kits, a crucial resource designed to address and investigate suspected incidents of drink spiking within the university community. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to fostering a secure environment for all students and residents.
The Green Screen test kits are specialized SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) certified tools, specifically designed to detect the presence of illicit substances in a person’s system following a suspected drink spiking incident. These kits are readily accessible to students by request at two key locations: Redfern Health Center on campus and Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital, ensuring convenient and discreet access when needed most.
Clemson Panhellenic members have been instrumental in advocating for and supporting this initiative, emphasizing their dedication to the safety of not only their own members but the broader university population. Aidyn Lee-Moya, President of Clemson Panhellenic, highlighted the proactive nature of Green Screen, viewing it as an invaluable tool for students to utilize if they ever find themselves in such a vulnerable situation.
A critical aspect of the Green Screen program is its ability to facilitate the easy and efficient collection of evidence, which is paramount in maintaining a legal chain of custody for potential court proceedings. This forensic integrity is essential for law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate suspected criminal acts and pursue justice for victims, reinforcing the partnership’s robust approach to public safety.
Interim Chief of Police for the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD), Christopher Harrington, articulated CUPD’s mission to enhance safety, reduce risk, and prevent harm within the University community. He stressed that the proper collection and preservation of evidence, made possible by Green Screen, are vital to their ability to investigate criminal acts and support potential victims comprehensively.
Echoing this commitment, the City of Clemson Police Department, represented by Chief Jorge Campos, affirmed their dedication to protecting citizens and bringing to justice those who engage in drink spiking. They emphasized that community cooperation in evidence collection is crucial for securing justice for victims and ensuring that offending parties are held accountable for their actions.
Timeliness is a crucial factor in utilizing the Green Screen kits, as tests can be administered via blood draw within 48 hours or urine test within 120 hours of suspected drugging. Importantly, the cost of processing these tests is covered by SLED when an official report is filed with law enforcement. This removes a potential financial barrier for victims seeking justice and medical confirmation.
Beyond forensic testing, students utilizing Green Screen are immediately connected with comprehensive campus resources for care and support, ensuring holistic assistance during a challenging time. Both Interim Chief Harrington and Chief Campos strongly encourage immediate reporting of suspected drink spiking incidents, as this information is vital for law enforcement to understand patterns, locations, and timings of such criminal activities, ultimately enhancing preventative measures.
This collaborative initiative represents a significant step forward in community safety and student well-being, demonstrating a unified front against a serious public health concern. By providing accessible tools, robust support, and encouraging proactive reporting, Clemson University and its partners are actively working to create a safer, more vigilant environment for everyone.
