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Clemson student body president urges deeper town–gown ties, promotes ‘Angel Shot’ safety program
Summary
Zachary Freeman, Clemson’s undergraduate student body president, told the Clemson City Police Advisory Board that growth and parking strains, inconsistent classroom policies on AI and rising student cost pressures call for closer cooperation with local police and institutions; he outlined an Angel Shot bar-safety campaign and asked for continued CPD partnership.
Zachary Freeman, Clemson University’s undergraduate student body president, urged the Clemson City Police Advisory Board on Jan. 22 to expand non-enforcement engagement with students and partner on safety programs as the university and city grow.
Freeman said he represents a student government of 383 members that serves more than 24,000 undergraduates and that Clemson’s total student population is about 29,545. “My name is Zach Freeman. I’m a current senior double majoring in management and marketing,” he told the board, introducing the scope of his work and the priorities he brings to campus leadership.
Why it matters: Clemson’s student and campus activities place strain on local infrastructure and public safety resources, Freeman said, and the student government is pushing initiatives intended to reduce that strain while improving safety and town–gown relations.
Freeman highlighted parking and transit as immediate pressure points: Clemson’s board of trustees has targeted roughly 2% annual enrollment growth, and Freeman said that growth—combined with new campus construction—has reduced service space and increased demand for parking and reliable transit such as CAT and Tiger Transit. He noted a campus parking garage is under construction and described a first‑year parking program that discourages first‑year students from bringing cars to campus as one mitigation effort.
Freeman outlined the Angel Shot program for bars, a student‑led safety initiative that gives patrons a discreet signal to alert bar staff when they feel unsafe. “Our angel shot initiative is a student‑led safety program that allows patrons to discreetly signal bar staff when they feel unsafe,” he said, describing options such as staff escorting patrons to their car, calling a ride service or contacting police if necessary. He said the undergraduate Senate recently passed a bill and senators are engaging bar owners and managers to promote training, signage and partnership with both local bars and campus police.
On student–police relations, Freeman urged more visible CPD presence outside late‑night enforcement windows to build familiarity and trust. “For many students, interactions within the CPD staff are primarily just located at College Avenue from the 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. window,” he said, adding that increased non‑enforcement contact—attending student events, orientation and joint community service—could strengthen long‑term relationships.
Board members questioned Freeman about program timelines, the presidential search and how student leaders plan to sustain initiatives; Freeman said supporting the board of trustees’ president search is a near‑term priority while continuing to push safety and engagement efforts.
What’s next: Freeman invited continued dialogue with the advisory board and offered student‑government support for outreach on Angel Shot and related safety efforts. The board agreed to welcome future presentations and student engagement to improve information flow between students and CPD.
