Current Release: April 28th, 2009 | Vol. XXX Iss. 10

Improving Campus Security

By vickie matthews

vamatthews@vwc.edu

There was a time when college campuses were thought to be places where students could have a home away from home. They were meant to give students freedom from their parents, but still provide a sense of security.

Now college dorms are a playground for thieves with thousands of dollars in electronics lying around a student s dorm, including iPods, game consoles, DVD players, televisions and stereos.

But the dangers on campuses across America are not limited to theft. People will never forget what happened on the campus of Virginia Tech April 16, 2007, when a gun - man took the lives of several students and teachers. The event left students everywhere devastated and afraid for what could happen on their own campus.

So how do students feel about the safety of VWC? Do students feel the same sense of worry as other campuses, or do students here feel safe?

Senior Ryan Villy heard an instance where someone came from off campus asking students for a ride to 7 - eleven.

 As soon as they go to 7 - eleven the man just robbed the student, Villy said.  Anyone could come from any place with the woods around the campus. I ve never had a personal incident, but I think buildings should be locked and only students get key cards to each building.

Junior Zela Deforest has a different outlook on campus safety.

 I have never had problems with creepers or heard of anyone else having problems. I ve always felt safe, and if anything were to happen, I know I could call security at anytime, Deforest said.

Deforest s friend, sophmore Angel Irr, agreed.

 It s a small, secluded campus with a high tuition rate. Larger, more metropolitan campuses are the ones that are more open and unsafe, Irr said.  As long as the dorms are locked and they monitor the visitors that come in, it s up to the students to behave responsibly.

Reader s Digest ran an article on how to keep students safe. One of the main things is to keep college dorms secure. Students should lock their doors behind them and secure their windows when they are not in the room. Also, students should never prop open their doors with a brick or any other object, even if they are leaving for just a second.

Some crimes are unpreventable, but most can be stopped. Students can take responsibility into their own hands by securing their dorms and being careful about interacting with suspicious non -students on campus. This will help all students feel comfortable in their homes away from home.