The father of a University of Connecticut student is suing the university over plans to reduce the number of blue light emergency phones on campus, citing concerns about student safety and unreliable cellphone service. Billyjoe Contreras, a New Jersey resident, filed a lawsuit challenging the university’s plans to scale back the emergency phone system, which has been in place since the ‘90s. The phones allow students to contact UConn Police at the press of a button and allow an alternative to calling 911 on a cellphone.
UConn has defended the proposed reductions, citing the widespread use of cellphones, the availability of its LiveSafe safety app and the cost of maintaining the aging system. According to the university, maintaining the phones costs approximately $70,000 annually and upgrading the system to modern standards would cost an estimated $6 million. University officials also pointed to limited use of the blue light system. Over the past five years, the phones received 166 calls, only two of which required a police response. Those incidents involved a report of being followed that was determined to be unfounded and a car crash, according to the university.
UConn is not alone in reconsidering its emergency phone system. Universities across the country, including the University of California, Davis and the University of Tampa have removed or phased out blue light phones from their campuses. However, other Connecticut universities continue to maintain the systems. Central Connecticut State University has moved to expand its emergency phone network following an incident in which a blue-light phone was used during a robbery.
Contreras has raised concerns about areas of UConn’s campus with unreliable cellphone reception and argues that reducing access to emergency phones could jeopardize student safety. The university has said it intends to retain blue light phones in areas where cellphone service is limited.
Contreras, who has participated in organizations supporting victims of child abuse and founded the nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Organization, initially pursued legal action without an attorney. He described difficulties navigating the court system, including identifying the appropriate courthouse and completing the necessary paperwork. After preparing a 32-page filing, Contreras requested an ex parte temporary injunction in Rockville Superior Court that would have prevented UConn from disabling the emergency phones while the case proceeded.
The court denied the request. The case is scheduled for an online hearing today at 9:30 a.m., during which the parties are expected to discuss the possibility of resolving the dispute. Contreras has since retained attorney Edward Jay to represent him in court and launched a Change.org petition opposing the reductions that has gathered more than 4,000 signatures. The petition proposes, “that UConn not only maintains but enhances the current system. This could include upgrading the existing infrastructure with modern technology, incorporating features like video monitoring or GPS locators, to ensure robust safety coverage across campus areas.”