Violence in school campuses is not a relatively new concept. There have been documented cases wherein a lax security system in schools has led to school shootings and violent student outbursts. In the US, the more recent cases that gained wide media coverage were the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) massacre and Northern Illinois University shooting, which caused the deaths of numerous students and school personnel. When such events occur, US colleges observe maximum tolerance in their security systems and safety measures, but often fall into a relapse as time progresses.
Guns are strictly prohibited in all US college campuses, but as we learned through the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University massacres, students still manage to smuggle handguns and machine guns into college campuses. This says a lot about the need for US colleges to devise and employ stricter safety measures and security checks.
Safety measures employed in US colleges
Most US colleges have guards who roam around the university, including the grounds where on-campus dormitories are located. University guards are, more often than not, effective in controlling student activities such as frat parties, student protests, and keg parties, activities which can potentially lead to dangerous situations. Some US colleges have scanners installed in entry doors as a form of safety measure that prevents smuggling of firearms and dangerous weapons into the campus.
Some US colleges have also implemented a form of PA system for students and school personnel which allows them to receive school announcements and/or messages and warnings. This PA system works by having all the students’ mobile numbers, and dorm phone numbers registered in the school database, allowing fast communication between college authorities and their students. Some universities have also considered using a software that would allow college authorities to locate their students in case of emergencies. This, however, is still being discussed because some students feel that this system will mean a breach in their privacy. In the end, students and parents have to realize that the safety measures in US colleges can only attain maximum effectivity if they are employed and observed in participation with the students themselves, as well as with all campus personnel.
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