[sidpatil]

> A couple of years ago there was a little feature story in the newspaper about how they had never--not once--been used in a real emergency. But the university did not want to take them down because they provided a feeling of security.

How many real emergencies occurred near one of these boxes?

[throwawayboise]

Probably none, if they were never used. Again supporting the idea that they are better at creating a feeling of security than actually making any difference.

[sidpatil]

Maybe no emergencies occurred because of the presence of these emergency call stations. (At least those perpetrated by other people, i.e. assaults, thefts, etc.—I presume potential perpetrators would be discouraged by the presence of these call stations.)

Creating a feeling of security is as important as creating security—you need both.