It’s almost hard to believe that our little Oxford Square, called quaint and small town over the years, needs a safe site tent staffed by the police.

But that is the reality we live in these days, with our notable small-town square transforming many weeknights into a full-fledged entertainment district with all of the elements that go along with that.

That’s why the Oxford Police Department, in a smart move, has established a safe tent on the Square Wednesday through Saturday nights from 8 p.m. until 45 minutes after the bars close.

Students and others who visit the Square during peak party hours should have a clearly marked, easy-to-find spot to get help or to get away from things or people that may be causing anxiety if needed.

The OPD has been working for more than a year to find ways to make the Square safer to students and others and also more comfortable to late-night visitors.

We appreciate efforts by the Oxford Police Department to make the Square safer and friendlier late at night by establishing the Safe Site tent in front of the Visit Oxford office at 1013 Jackson Avenue.