Are We Really Safe?
Days after the Virginia Tech tragedy, officials at college campuses around the country asked themselves: “Are we really safe?” In reality, no reasonable amount of security can prevent an incident such as the Virginia Tech massacre to occur elsewhere. At the same time, campuses must ask themselves how they can install security measures around their university without infringing on the privacy of their students.
Virginia Commonwealth University is among several colleges to implement a campus-wide text message alert system that notifies students, faculty and staff of on campus emergencies. VCU has also invested thousands of dollars in an emergency siren that makes people aware that there is a situation on campus and to seek refuge. Although these tools are designed to make the campus a little safer, and to spread knowledge of an incident quicker in order to prevent further disaster, it does not prevent a disaster from happening in the first place. The siren and the texts, merely alerts students of an incident that has already happened, or is happening. The real problem is trying to figure out what they can do to avert a crisis in the first place?
Should schools resort to dead bolting doors? Should schools have restricted access to buildings? Although these ideas may stop unwanted intruders from entering buildings, what is stopping a registered student from walking into his own classroom with a gun? Anyone can conceal a weapon and use it at their will. Will the installation of metal detectors be of benefit? Or will students protest their second amendment rights? Where do you draw the line between safety and civil rights? Some students believe that in order so ensure safety, you have to be willing to sacrifice some of your liberties. Brian Atkinson, a 21-year-old junior studying homeland security believes that there is no way you’re going to satisfy everyone. “Some people will argue that safety implications hinder their freedoms, but it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. Honestly if a metal detector is what it takes for people to feel secure, so be it. I’d gladly walk through one to know if someone has a gun. I don’t feel like it invades my privacy at all,” says Atkinson.
VCU Housing Security Coordinator Emily Hanisch believes VCU is doing everything it can in order to ensure safety in campus housing. Hanisch believes that, “Although nobody can really prevent a shooting, we do have restricted access to dormitories and security guards on duty 24-7. We are well equipped to handle intruders or any sort of on site emergency.”
Willie B. Fuller, Chief of the VCU Police Department, says that crime at VCU is at a low in recent years. “Crime around campus has decreased substantially. VCU Police works very closely with the Richmond City Police Department, in order to ensure the safety of all of our students. With VCU being an urban campus it is important for both departments to oversee campus activity and protect the students who live in the city.”
VCU has implemented several security measures that will potentially decrease the risk of violent activity on campus. Although nobody can be sure when or where a crime will occur, VCU has taken necessary precautions in order to prevent such disasters. Whether the safety devices will help, officials at VCU believe that they are doing all they can to protect their students. “At the end of the day, the main objective is to make students feel safe, and we are doing everything in our power to do that,” said Fuller.
Sources:
Brian Atkinson, junior, Homeland Security: atkinsonba@vcu.edu
Emily Hanisch, VCU Housing Security Coordinator: hanischec@vcu.edu
Willie B. Fuller, Chief VCU Police Department: wbfuller@vcu.edu
