Arkansas Baptist College Plans Campus Security Upgades
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 12, 2012
Heftier security measures are coming to Arkansas Baptist College after a shooting near campus claimed the life of a student, according to a school spokesperson.
After spending years expanding its campus and profile, leaders say they've left the campus a bit more open, now students say it's time to secure its borders and increase safety.
"Some things that have made me feel unsafe, when we recently had shooting a here. Another thing that's made me feel unsafe, I have had friends who have had cars broken into behind the gym because they don't have cameras and they don't know who's doing it, and the cameras they have do have don't roll back," said student Justin Harmon.
Answering student concerns, administration officials say better lighting is on the way. Also, they say they're working on putting up signs to warn students and visitors against bringing weapons on campus and they also plan to start enforcing students and faculty wear their ID cards on campus at all times.
All of these pending changes stem from the shooting death of first year student Derek Olivier who was killed just a few yards from campus late September.
School officials say they've already started working on some of these new security features but many, including a fence they hope to put up around campus will take a bit longer because they'll have to work with the city of Little Rock to move forward.
Little Rock police are still investigating the shooting that sparked students concerns about safety.
After spending years expanding its campus and profile, leaders say they've left the campus a bit more open, now students say it's time to secure its borders and increase safety.
"Some things that have made me feel unsafe, when we recently had shooting a here. Another thing that's made me feel unsafe, I have had friends who have had cars broken into behind the gym because they don't have cameras and they don't know who's doing it, and the cameras they have do have don't roll back," said student Justin Harmon.
Answering student concerns, administration officials say better lighting is on the way. Also, they say they're working on putting up signs to warn students and visitors against bringing weapons on campus and they also plan to start enforcing students and faculty wear their ID cards on campus at all times.
All of these pending changes stem from the shooting death of first year student Derek Olivier who was killed just a few yards from campus late September.
School officials say they've already started working on some of these new security features but many, including a fence they hope to put up around campus will take a bit longer because they'll have to work with the city of Little Rock to move forward.
Little Rock police are still investigating the shooting that sparked students concerns about safety.
Comments
I'm glad to hear this considering I have a child that attends this school. I will like to know that I did not make a poor choice for my child's future in trying to make a good decision in choicing this educational facility for my child to attend. I had considered moving him after this semester. No parent wants to send their child off to have them not return unharmed. Upgrades are good for the campus but safety should be first at all times. I have lived in that area as a child and considering the activity that the area has experienced over the years and with an educational faciltiy in the area safety should of students should have been at the top of all agendas. That will be one key to bringing in more students in the future.
Sherea H.
October 12, 2012 at 1:48 am
