Security: What do people really think?
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: News
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Staff writers
Security is a necessity for any college. It is vital that students feel at-home and know that their belongings and life are safe from harm. The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College community has approximately 10 security officers. According to a survey of 41 students, 18 feel that security does its job well, with another 8 saying they do their job very well.
Students have been taught since orientation at the College, usually just before the fall semester begins at the end of August, a basic overview of what the security guards do and how they can be trusted.
Anasthaysia Gifford, a freshman at SMWC, reaches for her phone when asked if she knows how to contact security. "I keep it in my phone," she said while explaining that the number was given to all incoming freshman.
"If you need to get a hold of us, the best way is to call the 6200 number," said Al Gouchenour, a security officer that has been working at SMWC for 15 years.
For the most part, the SMWC community knows what lengths security goes through to help those in need. Whether it's having a flat tire on campus, locking your keys in your car or having your car broken into.
"Also if there's ever a point where you're on campus and it's late at night and you're not comfortable walking back, be it from the back parking lot or if you're over at the conservatory, you call security, then they'll come pick you up," says Jeff Malloy, director of campus life. Campus life is in charge of all that happens on campus, such as housing and events.
"[We also] pick up mail on weekends, and deliver it to the Sister's side, as well as the college side," said Gouchenour.
For the most part, the community knows that security officers patrol campus and keep a lookout for "the bad guys" (whoever they may be at any given time), take care of locking and unlocking the buildings, and deal with the rare emergency situation.
"They have helped me more than once when I've locked myself out," said Ellen Cunningham, S.P. and professor of mathematics
Not many negative incidents have ever been reported on SMWC's campus, according to interviewees and annual crime reports, which adds to the general feeling of safety that many people at SMWC have attested to. Many people have heard about several car breaks-ins over the last few years. Precautions have been taken to prevent further incidents like the break-ins, such as cameras in the parking lots and more vigilant patrols. In comparison to other campuses this is hardly a problem.
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