Web-based service sparked by Kristin Smart tragedy

It's Friday night -- time for your first date with the cutie you've been eyeing in English 120. Prior to putting the final touchup on your lipstick, you make a quick log-on to the Internet -- www.safedate.com.

For $12.00 a year, the website offers an electronic diary service to record date and travel plans.

"It's a great diary for women and men," said Susan McHeney-Bray, president of the Student Safety Group. People can use the service without having to tell their parents about their dating plans.

Safedate will keep confidential records of people, places and times and will only be released for requests accompanying a missing person's report or subpoena.

According to McHeney-Bray, the idea was based on a flight plan conceived by an airline pilot who saw a poster for missing college student Kristin Smart.

The service is designed for college students, but is also useful for domestic disputes, employer/co-worker problems and sexual harassment, she said.

CSUS freshman Amy Volk said it's a good idea, but she wouldn't use it herself.

"I wouldn't go on a date that I wouldn't be willing to tell anybody about," she said.

McHeney-Bray said it takes about five minutes to log on, and a student can try the service free for 30 days.