The Quadrangle

Issue date: 11/3/04 Section: News

Campus security: it's one of those things that we don't want to know is there unless there's something wrong with it. Like a flashy new anti-virus program developed by our friends at Microsoft, we take it for granted so long as everything works properly. We acknowledge it comfortably in the backs of our heads, but we don't want to think about it directly, lest we be reminded why security is there in the first place.

Unlike computer programs, however, campus security is a matter of dire importance. With much of our student body living on campus, we can ill afford to take chances with safety. So then, how safe are we? I asked several students-and security itself-what they thought, and their responses were quite interesting.

For Junior Russell Stevens, the actions of campus security often seem sporadic and illogical. For example, Russell observed that on weekend nights, which are generally active times for students, there is little security to be found; however, on quiet weekday nights, he is asked to ID himself before entering the library. Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed similar feelings: she routinely notices random cars entering the faculty parking lot with no ID, yet she is often asked to present an ID to get onto the campus. Both felt that security often seemed misplaced-not where it should be, when it should be.

Then again, what do we have to fear? The Manhattan College campus is situated right outside the walls of one of the wealthiest residential areas in New York: the Fieldston community. Russell Stevens and other students agree that this makes the job of our campus security much easier, compared to a school such as Fordham University, which is carved right out of the Bronx. Still, anything can happen, and I wanted to see what security itself had to say about the job it's doing.

I went up to the main security booth on Manhattan College Parkway and introduced myself to the guard. I explained how I was doing an article on campus security, and asked if he would be willing to answer my questions. He seemed nervous and skeptical, but agreed to talk as long as he remained anonymous. My first question was pretty basic: "How tight is security?" He looked around quickly, shrugged, and mumbled, "It's tight." Not exactly the detailed response I had hoped for, but my next question had true relevance: "Considering our post-9/11 world, are there any plans in place to deal with a major emergency?" This time he was really confused, and was only able to squeeze out, "I don't know, I'd have to ask my boss." You do that, buddy-and when the dung hits the fan, you'll just get in the way.

Continued...

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