Police cover patrol car to support survivors of sexual assault

Chief Lesley Wiete presented the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education (CARE) staff with a special gift to show their support for the partnership between the police department and the center. Photo provided by the Purdue University Police Department.

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) recently partnered with the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education (CARE) for an event called “Cover the Cruiser” to support and raise awareness for sexual assault survivors.

The event took place on the West Lafayette campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members left notes with words of encouragement and positivity for sexual assault survivors in one of the department’s vehicles.

PUPD then collected the notes and printed a picture of the CARE staff, officers and the “undercover” vehicle. Officials signed the picture, placed some of the notes around it and framed it as a gift to CARE.

“We wanted to show our gratitude to the CARE staff and all they do for our campus community,” said Director Lesley Wiete. “It is important for us to raise awareness about sexual assault, and this is an opportunity to start a conversation that can raise awareness and remind the campus community to take careful measures to ensure safety. “

The gift was recently presented to CARE employees, with Wiete delivering a message of support for the partnership between the department and the center.

Read safety tips on the PUPD website to avoid sexual assault. For information about services and programs available to survivors, visit the CARE website.

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization provides safe, reliable and transformative services to the university. Raising awareness to inform and protect the campus community is just one of the many ways the organization supports Purdue.