Is Campus Security Improving?
By Natalie Poeltl
The majority of students in our modern day political climate have thought about the possibility of a shooting at their school. Campus safety and security is more consciously one of the most important features of college campuses. After speaking to a number of security officers on college campuses throughout Dutchess County, it is clear that in our political climate, security is more greatly prioritized through a number of strategies.
“We have done a number of things, obviously the job has to evolve as society evolves,” Al Seifert, campus safety dispatcher at the Culinary Institute of America explains, “Not only with technology improving have we integrated computers into our jobs, but in the recent years we have began card swipe accesses, established gate house entries so when you drive on to campus you have to stop and speak to an officer before being allowed onto the campus after closed hours; just to name a few improvements.”
Al Seifert explains his knowledge regarding the students concern and unease regarding safety, “I believe it’s something on everyones mind due to the constant reoccurring news of shootings in the United States.”
Not only has the Culinary Institute improved their security, but colleges around Dutchess County have all become more aware of the importance of the issue. “We have received calls from many parents regarding this concern, and we are most definitely taking the steps to ensure tight security around our campus,” explained anonymous Dutchess County Security Officer.
Though many officers on campuses around Dutchess are not at liberty to discuss the specific strides their security department has made, students were open to express their opinions. SUNY New Paltz Samantha Damore, Sophomore, expresses her opinion regarding the issue, “Having grown up in Poughkeepsie, I am aware of the recent violent threats against the Van Wyck Junior High School and High School in Hyde Park,” she said, “Hearing about the multitude of shootings going on around the country has always been a fear in the back of my mind, but when you hear about the possibility of something happening so close to home, it becomes much more real.”
Damore walked in the rally to raise awareness of gun violence safety less than one year ago today outside of Rhinebeck High School. “After the Parkland, Florida shooting, it was just overwhelming to hear this incident occur over and over again,” Damore said.
Nicole Simon, SUNY New Paltz Junior gives her opinion, “When sitting in a classroom, it is definitely something that comes to mind,” she said, “I ask myself what I would do if someone were to come in the building with a gun… It’s sad that students need to worry about this issue. But, being active about the problem is what will hopefully save more lives.”
