2008 Woodie Awards
Burns Takes New Measures to Improve Campus Security
All-Night Shifts at Hot Spots, More Surveillance Cameras Employed
Yehoshua Dawidowicz
Issue date: 12/27/04 Section: News
In response to a number of security incidents on the Wilf Campus, all within a few weeks of one another, the Department of Safety and Security has taken measures to better campus security.
The issue goes back to February of last year, when three Yeshiva students were attacked late at night within sight of of a Burns security guard. The guard called for backup, but did not personally respond to the assault. The assailant escaped and the students were left with bruises.
Unlike the attack last year, the two most recent attacks took place away from campus security, and therefore the question has been raised as to why there was no security in the area at the time. "What's the point of having security if they are not there to stop the crimes?" asked Stuart Gasner, Sy Syms School of Business '06.
One of the additions made to campus security was street corner guards on duty all night long, easily visible to students and potential prowlers. Also, the Department of Safety and Security has and will continue to increase the number of surveillance cameras.
Asked about the appropriate response from a security guard in the event of a crime, Don Sommers, Chief of Security, explained the procedure. "The guard will call for reinforcements from both Burns and the police. We have guards around, they'll come and take care of it," Mr. Sommers said. He declined to mention what a guard would do while waiting for reinforcements.
Aside from increasing the number of guards and cameras in key locations on the campus, the Department of Safety and Security has also begun to promote its long offered service of having a security guard escort students to their buildings as they walk late at night. At this time, however, security will only walk to the buildings but will not enter them. Similarly, security does not patrol the in Independent Housing Program (IHP) buildings like they do the dormitories and other university buildings.
The Department of Safety and Security is also working with a number of landlords in the area to try to help increase the safety measures taken inside and around the buildings. Continuing discussions with the New York Police Department are also part of the renewed security efforts.
The issue goes back to February of last year, when three Yeshiva students were attacked late at night within sight of of a Burns security guard. The guard called for backup, but did not personally respond to the assault. The assailant escaped and the students were left with bruises.
Unlike the attack last year, the two most recent attacks took place away from campus security, and therefore the question has been raised as to why there was no security in the area at the time. "What's the point of having security if they are not there to stop the crimes?" asked Stuart Gasner, Sy Syms School of Business '06.
One of the additions made to campus security was street corner guards on duty all night long, easily visible to students and potential prowlers. Also, the Department of Safety and Security has and will continue to increase the number of surveillance cameras.
Asked about the appropriate response from a security guard in the event of a crime, Don Sommers, Chief of Security, explained the procedure. "The guard will call for reinforcements from both Burns and the police. We have guards around, they'll come and take care of it," Mr. Sommers said. He declined to mention what a guard would do while waiting for reinforcements.
Aside from increasing the number of guards and cameras in key locations on the campus, the Department of Safety and Security has also begun to promote its long offered service of having a security guard escort students to their buildings as they walk late at night. At this time, however, security will only walk to the buildings but will not enter them. Similarly, security does not patrol the in Independent Housing Program (IHP) buildings like they do the dormitories and other university buildings.
The Department of Safety and Security is also working with a number of landlords in the area to try to help increase the safety measures taken inside and around the buildings. Continuing discussions with the New York Police Department are also part of the renewed security efforts.