In the last month alone, a string of six robberies in Georgetown’s Village A apartments, an attempted abduction, and at least 12 reports of laptop theft have left students questioning their safety and security. The actions taken by Associate Director of Public Safety Joseph Smith and DPS in response to these crimes are steps in the right direction, but Georgetown students and administrators still have a great deal of work to do to get campus security up to par.
Recently, DPS has set up spotlights around Village A apartments for better lighting, positioned security officers and a squad car along the Canal Road during night hours, and hired extra security details to help patrol the area. Over Thanksgiving break, two sheds were installed so that officers will be able to patrol during winter months. It’s too early to judge their effectiveness yet, but it is an encouraging sign that the wave of crime afflicting that part of campus subsided shortly after these increased security measures were initiated.
It is important for students to help prevent crimes on and around campus. Many of the recent robberies could have been prevented had students remembered to lock their doors. The sheer number of crimes in which the perpetrator simply walked in through an unlocked door shows that this cannot be emphasized enough. Students should also report any suspicious activity to DPS and avoid leaving laptops unattended.
The most important next step for public safety officials is the installation of security cameras in crime hotspots around campus. When installed in proper locations, such as outside Village A, security cameras can serve to deter crime without infringing on the privacy of students. The University has said that cameras will be added as it works to establish wireless throughout campus by the end of spring semester. In light of recent crimes, it should shorten the timeline for this project and begin to immediately install cameras in public spaces around campus.
At the same time, DPS should be sure not to infringe on students’ rights in its effort to maintain security. They must avoid past mistakes like randomly checking if students’ doors are locked and confiscating laptops left unattended in Lauinger Library, which only created confusion and resentment. With the spotlights, security sheds, and warning posters, Village A is beginning to look like a military base, but it is important that Georgetown doesn’t become a police state. We can have security without compromising the student experience.
