What has happened at Virginia Technical College in the U.S.A. on Monday 16th April, 2007 has raised serious questions about security on University campuses. A lone gunman, a student of Virginia Tech murdered 32 students and staff before ending his own life. No doubt such a tragedy will change the face of security on campuses, colleges and schools worldwide.

In this regard, I have been discussing security measures and recommendations for this campus.

The large size of the student population and area of the campus may make it difficult to discern a student or even staff who is likely to commit such a heinous crime. However, the creeping “gun culture” that is pervading our society and with our “copycat” mentality, security must not be complacent.

Accordingly, the Security Department has increased its level of alertness and reviewed its crisis management strategy which would be triggered in case of an emergency.

It is therefore necessary for other stake holders of the campus, i.e. students and staff, to be vigilant and bring to the attention of the appropriate professionals charged with responsibility to treat with troubled students or even staff with a view to averting a similar Virginia Tech incident, as one may never know when something like that will happen.

In addition to formal security measures, students and staff should submit emergency contact information starting next Academic Year, including cell phone numbers and local addresses, so that they can be easily contacted in the event of an emergency or before, if a credible threat is received.

Additionally, the ability of University to act when students are deemed dangerous to themselves and others can be increased if lecturers and students bring issues of concern to the Administration’s attention.

Nevertheless, several other security arrangements that have been put in place to make the campus safer.

Mobile patrols on the streets on the periphery of the campus have been increased with the addition of two new vehicles to our fleet since January of this year. The mobile patrols will thus be able to cover the wider areas of the campus.

As an added deterrent to would-be criminals, canine patrols will be maintained on the campus from 6.00 p.m. – 6.00 a.m.

Recognising the importance of communication, all emergency phones have been functioning properly and additional phones will soon be installed in other strategic areas of the campus.

The campus is but a small area in the middle of several high crime areas, and though the University cannot be expected to police the streets outside campus, constant collaboration with the Police Service sometimes results in specific measures being put in place for the University community. As such, from May 01, 2007 the Senior Superintendent of Police for the area has assigned a mobile patrol vehicle to specially patrol the campus and other schools in the St. Augustine area.

On our end, within the next two weeks a new batch of Estate Police Constables will be added to the Security Department. The new officers will, however have to undergo a six-week programme of special training before they are assigned duties.

Taking measures that are probably ahead of the wider society, steps have already been taken to acquire and install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the campus. This will be phased in, starting with the main thoroughfares, gate entrances/exits, car parks and key buildings. Other aspects of the Hi-Tech security up-grade will include electronic barriers at the main entrances and turnstiles at the pedestrian gates. Both will be equipped with electromagnetic technology.

The final measure worth highlighting is the establishment of a university crisis planning and emergency communication system.