In the last few weeks, we’ve heard about thefts, assaults and other forms of street crime as if they were entirely new phenomenon. But in all actuality, our state, county and especially our campus have historically had a relatively low rate of street crime.
It is a good thing that our citizens received a wake-up call on the importance of taking precautions every day.
Incidents like the Virginia Tech shooting increase fear on campus. The reporting of events like these establishes a hostile setting on campus that makes it more difficult to learn in an increasingly complex world.
A somber tone permeated my hometown of Chapel Hill as a returned home for spring break. UNC-Chapel Hill’s cherished Student Body President, Eve Carson, went missing. Police found her body soon after. Carson shared the ambitions of many university students and distinguished herself by doing her best to excel. An exemplar, she was admired for her charisma and popularity. But this bright young lady was silenced forever by the shots of a gunman whose barbarism trumped her benevolence.
We all read police blotters and campus alerts and see blue lights in passing. We now hear alarm and siren soundings from day to day. Campus officials invent new means of protecting us daily.
It is essential to recognize their services as an important element in both protection and progress. As both well-informed and well-guarded members of the community, students can excel despite the recent scares.
We normally do not take time to notice between classes, work and organizations that campus security officials are hard at work.
It is important not to forget about safety and to also be aware of the abundance of security resources and measures the University employs — like escort vans. Also, at night, we have well-lit pathways.
Campus Police are often underrated. Despite the occasional successful crime on campus, you are hard-pressed to find an area on campus that is not safeguarded. All members of Campus Police can be seen researching, monitoring, responding, patrolling and investigating as if on impulse.
Cars, laptops and even horses aid Campus Police in its mission to prevent crime before it unfolds. Communication systems are the newest crime stopper technologies. With the new WolfAlert system, the University has spared no cost to increase safety.
Unlike the date who habitually stands you up, Campus Police will never leave you stranded in the cold. They actually care and will let you know when you are in danger. Students can learn with their minds at more ease, granted the number of measures taken by campus security official.
Share your thoughts on campus security with Mansoor by e-mailing him at [email protected].
