By Ellie Simmers
University of Lynchburg Campus Safety and Security vehicles. Photo by Ellie Simmers
Increased security detail and communication efforts by Campus Safety and Security at the University of Lynchburg may not be enough for some students as concerns regarding campus safety grow.
On Friday, October 5, University of Lynchburg students received an email regarding new security measures such as increased Lynchburg Police Department presence and improved security cameras and lighting across campus. This email was no surprise to students, as precautions like these have become a common practice on campuses nationwide.
When asked what came to mind when she thought of safety on campus, sophomore Leona Scavello cited an incident that occurred last fall in her dorm building.
“Freshman year some people came in to Tate with guns and the head of security did not get there very quick at all. It took them a while to get there and they don’t have guns, so they eventually had to call the police,” said Scavello, later descirbing this event as a reason she distrusts Campus Safety and Security.
According to the University of Lynchburg’s Responding to an Active Shooter section on its website, “Campus Safety and Security Officers are not armed or trained to neutralize the immediate threat to the campus.”
Director of Campus Safety & Security, Dean Caifano, explained that there are other ways in which the department handles situations, unarmed.
“If we’re not armed, it’s quite a difficult task to neutralize somebody, right? That’s why it’s incredibly imperative to bring in local, state, and federal officials,” said Caifano, detailing the partnerships between Campus Safety and Security and law enforcement.
Is that enough for students to feel safe on campus? Scavello thinks they can do more.
“If someone needs them, they need to get there faster and probably train their officers better because they don’t necessarily know how to de-escalate a situation,” Scavello noted as two examples of ways that would make her and other students feel safe on campus.
Chief Cafiano agreed that he plans to implement training for both the officers in his department and the students on campus.
“We’re working with the local FBI office to provide what’s called ASAP training. That’s basically an outreach education training program for the private sector in regards to active shooter. We’re working with them to get them on campus to provide that training,” said Caifano.
However, Caifano does cite the need for more participation when training like this has been offered in the past and his worries regarding the student body’s lack of interest.
“We had minimal participation from students. Very minimal. It’s unfortunate,” said Caifano.
Scavello said that active shooter training was something she was interested in.
With the rise of gun violence across the country, especially in schools and universities, students are becoming more proactive and trying to educate and prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario.
Students should be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities or concerns to Campus Safety and Security at 434.544.8102 (Non-emergency) or 434.544.5555 or 911 (Emergency).
