Spring Break
Security, students react to Illinois shootings
Issue date: 2/21/08
Some students question the value of a new siren and public address system Hopkins security plans to install in the wake of shootings at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Last Thursday, NIU graduate Steven Kazmierczak opened fire in a large auditorium, killing five students before committing suicide.
"The shootings underscore the complex challenges campus security officers face in protecting the lives and property at colleges and universities across the country," said?Edmund Skrodzki, executive director of Campus Safety and Security.
The new warning system is meant to inform the campus and surrounding community that an emergency is taking place. Warnings will begin with a siren wail, followed by specific information and instructions on proper procedure.
By the end of March, the system will be installed on the roofs of Garland Hall, the Ralph O'Connor Recreation Center and Whitehead Hall.
"Engineering studies conducted by the vendor and by our own staff showed that these were the most effective locations," Skrodzki said.
Student reaction to the NIU shooting has been mixed.
"I don't feel safe at Hopkins as this type of incident could, without a doubt, happen here," freshman Matilda Livieratos said.
"The Northern Illinois shooting was a tragedy, but at Hopkins I feel safe," freshman Eddie Holzinger said.
Hopkins security has not received any calls from staff, students or parents expressing safety concerns after the shooting.
But several students questioned the effectiveness of such a system.
"People shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security and feel that sirens will fix the issue," freshman Andrew Mo said.
Freshman John Rodman said that he would prefer immediate police action rather than a campus-wide warning system.
"It's a good idea because it alerts people but it would probably cause panic. There's definitely a better system," he said.
Skrodzki felt that the University community at large should be more prepared for such a devastating scenario.
Last Thursday, NIU graduate Steven Kazmierczak opened fire in a large auditorium, killing five students before committing suicide.
"The shootings underscore the complex challenges campus security officers face in protecting the lives and property at colleges and universities across the country," said?Edmund Skrodzki, executive director of Campus Safety and Security.
The new warning system is meant to inform the campus and surrounding community that an emergency is taking place. Warnings will begin with a siren wail, followed by specific information and instructions on proper procedure.
By the end of March, the system will be installed on the roofs of Garland Hall, the Ralph O'Connor Recreation Center and Whitehead Hall.
"Engineering studies conducted by the vendor and by our own staff showed that these were the most effective locations," Skrodzki said.
Student reaction to the NIU shooting has been mixed.
"I don't feel safe at Hopkins as this type of incident could, without a doubt, happen here," freshman Matilda Livieratos said.
"The Northern Illinois shooting was a tragedy, but at Hopkins I feel safe," freshman Eddie Holzinger said.
Hopkins security has not received any calls from staff, students or parents expressing safety concerns after the shooting.
But several students questioned the effectiveness of such a system.
"People shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security and feel that sirens will fix the issue," freshman Andrew Mo said.
Freshman John Rodman said that he would prefer immediate police action rather than a campus-wide warning system.
"It's a good idea because it alerts people but it would probably cause panic. There's definitely a better system," he said.
Skrodzki felt that the University community at large should be more prepared for such a devastating scenario.
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