Campus Security †Research paper Essay

Campus hostage is an ever-growing concern end-to-end the United States. P bents want their children to be refuge art object continuing their genteelness away from home and learners want to feel and be safe while living on campus. The University of Maryland at College Park has had a unvaried battle with campus credential as incidences welcome increase on and nigh campus. The University of Maryland is located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, a hotspot, surd with high levels of reprehensible activity.In 2002 there were 17 sex offenses, 9 robberies, 12 aggravated appalls, 140 burglaries, 86 motor vehicle thefts, 136 medicine related arrests, and 9 illegal weapons possession arrests on Marylands campus (UMD Crime Statistics). These statistics represent only on campus incidents and lay down varied tremendously over the past three years. Statistics would be much higher if they include argonas about campus. Variations over the years can be attributed to increase in legal philosophy presence, as thoroughly as m all security precautions use over the past years.Universities hold relieve oneselfn many precautions to battle roughshod offence on and around campus. One of the newest techno-trends on American college and university campuses is tipping campus police force to outlaw(a) activity by filling out online forms posted on the incisions World Wide Web page (Campus Crimes). Colleges such as Duke University, the University of Georgia, and MIT have already implement such programs and have been very lucky (Campus Crimes). Narcotics activity and burglaries have seen significant reductions. Students and criminals participating in illicit activities immediately have to be fearful of other peers who whitethorn rat on them. thither are, however, downsides to such tactics. False accusations could become a problem. So far, of the vitamin C universities already using such technology 90 percent of the reading received over the universitys cam pus police Web site has been significant (Campus Crimes).In efforts to reduce students nonching alone at night, many universities have implemented night ride programs (Safety and Security). These are curb-to-curb security services, where a campus shuttle coach transports students from one location to a nonher. The University of Maryland offers such a service called N.I.T.E. arouse. N.I.T.E. Ride runs from 530pm to 730am during fall and spring semesters (Safety and Security). This program combined with the universities golosh escort services caters students with opportunities to avoid harmful situations (Safety and Security).However, although many schools offer such programs, they do not allow enough funding to fully apparel such safety programs. Many students are unable to get through and through to the operator, thus end up walking home alone. More shuttles and operators are needed during peek hours, such as weekends and Thursdays. The N.I.T.E. Ride program is an hard-hitti ng means to avoid harmful situations when the program is fully funded. Otherwise, students tend to walk home alone and put themselves in harms way.The University of Maryland in any case offers an small double-decker system. Students, instead of walking alone at night, can desire the safety of the bus (Policies, Programs, run). The University of Marylands Circuit and Courtyard talk provide safe and dependable rides to various key locations on campus. non only are students protected from horror, but as well are back up to ride the bus instead of driving home under the influence. The bus system has dramatically decreased rapes and robberies. Having an alternative ride home also lowers students fear of villainy by lowering at risk situations.Maryland has also placed blue light compulsion phones around campus (Safety and Security). Emergency phones provide a direct line to the police throughout the campus both inside and outside many academic buildings and hall halls. These phones are either yellow or encased within a blue cylindrical column and are marked Emergency. Frequently they have blue lights overhead making their locations easier to find. Individuals may contact campus police at one time and without charge by activating the phone. This notifies an destiny dispatcher, via a computer, of the callers exact location (Policies, Programs, Services). These phones are used to deter potential victimizations as well as provide a means for communication incase of an urgency (Safety and Security). The emergency phones may not lower crime rates, but they do lower students fear of crime.The adeptness of video supervision is another means to combat crime on campus. Throughout the nation universities have been installing cameras to record and monitor specialised areas. The University of Maryland initiated this effort in 1996 by installing dozens of cameras in put lots, garages, high traffic pedestrian areas, isolated areas, and by automated teller mach ines (Schultz). Although the effects of video surveillance to reduce crime have not been established, fear of crime by students has dropped. Cameras are very effective in aiding police dispatchers about crime scenes but rarely catch crimes in action (Schultz). Some students feel that funds would be better fatigued on police surveillance (Schultz).These students believe criminals will just acquit masks or commit crimes where there are no cameras (Schultz). Video surveillance can also be used to aid in criminal investigations. By placing cameras at the entrances and exits to campuses and buildings, police can record license plates as well as faces later used for identification. Although video surveillance may be a useful tool for law enforcement, it is still extremely controversial. Many students feel that surveillance is an infringement on privacy. It can be scary that big brother knows when and where you are at all times.Universities around the globe have offered several programs to students in revise to educate and keep back students from placing themselves in at-risk situations. The University of Maryland offers many programs to prevent victimization. One huge program sweeping the nation is Rape Aggression Defense (RAD). RAD is the fastest growing and largest womens self-defense program in the country. This program has structured, concordant curriculum, of easy-to-teach, easy-to-learn techniques that have realistic and practical application (Policies, Programs, Services). The University also provides personal security presentations as well as sexual assault awareness programs.Services to victims are offered through campus as well as Prince Georges Hospital. The dupe Advocate is a service that provides support and referral to victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and pardner violence (Policies, Programs, Services). Prince Georges Hospitalwill treat victims of sexual assault and rape as well as provide information, counseling, and com panionship (Policies, Programs, Services). There is always a trained nurse on hand that is assailable of collecting evidence for future prosecutions (Policies, Programs, Services). Students also should be aware of consider rape drugs (Fitzgerald). Never leave glasses un attended and always attend parties in groups (Fitzgerald).Policing is always a vital part to campus safety. The University police provide numerous services to students. Emergency responses to crimes are quickly answered and acted upon (Policies, Programs, Services). Officers provide al-Qaeda patrol, as well as patrol with marked and unmarked police cars, motorcycles, and bicycles (Policies, Programs, Services). The campus police also relay crime data to the state, FBI, as well as other police agencies (Policies, Programs, Services). Relaying information is an important tool in compiling information to develop the UCR and other crime fighting statistics. The University also has a Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) that is trustworthy for criminal investigations, criminal intelligence, crime analysis, and victim/witness assistance coordination (Policies, Programs, Services).Over 100 student police aids help campus police in providing a safe environment (Policies, Programs, Services). Student Police Aids are non-sworn, unarmed student employees who work part-time for the department. They are provided training and equipment, and act as additive eyes and ears for campus police (Policies, Programs, Services). Student police Aids are responsible for special event security as well as security around campus (Policies, Programs, Services). These aids have designated foot and bicycle patrols in parking garages and various high-risk areas around campus (Policies, Programs, Services). Aids are also stationed at entrances and exits of campus during late hours. As cars drive onto campus, students record and question inc-coming visitors. These actions deter criminals as well as car thieves. Their license plat e numbers are written down and they must have a legitimate finish or student identification in order to gain main course to the campus.Awareness is possibly the best solution to crime prevention. In 1990, congress passed the Campus and Securities Act (Safety by the Numbers). This act requires that any university receiving federal funding to utter campus crime statistics and provide students with information about the schools safety policies (Safety by the Numbers). By disclosing information, students and parents become aware of any possible crime problem. Students, consequently, can take preventive measures to ensure their safety. Potential students might also elect to go to schools with safer campuses. This places additional pressure on federally funded universities to tighten their campus security.Universities that acquire a reputation as being unsafe often lose student enrollment. The 1998 amendments to the Campus Security Act added more categories of crime statistics that sch ools must disclose. Arson and manslaughter have been added to the list of offenses, which already included murder, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor-vehicle theft (Safety by the Numbers). Schools, however, are not currently required to disclose crimes that occur underweight campus. Often, statistics are distorted and under-represent true crime (Safety by the Numbers).The key to justification in your dorm room and in an off-campus housing is vigilantism. Always be aware of your surroundings and lock your door at night. Most campuses have installed swipe cards at all entrances, hallways, doorways, and elevators to prevent unauthorized users from gaining entree to the building. These swipe cards provide much needed security. In order to gain access someone must let you into the building. Additionally, doors with card readers are also equipped with prop monitors that cause a horn to exit in the event a door is propped open or not securely closed and lat ched (Policies, Programs, Services). Having RAs on duty in lobbies of all buildings deters suspicious and unwanted visitors. These RAs can report any shady activity as well as provide emergency assistance.There are numerous ways universities and colleges can combat crime and upgrade campus security. Through online tipping, night ride programs, adequate bus systems, emergency phones, video surveillance, prevention, rape, and victimization programs, policing, awareness, and swipe cardsschools can provide increased campus security.