Pocono News Section

Security Upgrades at Colleges After VA Tech Massacre

Security Upgrades at Colleges After VA Tech Massacre - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 6:55PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 @ 06:55pm EST
NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY - One year after the tragedy at Virginia Tech, local colleges and universities continue to improve their own security. At Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, 64 cameras keep a constant eye on almost every inch of the property in case of any emergency.

"We try and plan for the worst possible scenario and hope it never does come and we take every precaution that we can and be as proactive as we can," Safety and Security Director Bill Barrett said.

Planning for the cameras began before the Virigina Tech Massacre, but their installation after the attack, has made students feel safer.

"I feel safe here. I always have and I always will. I trust everybody who works here," Student Body President Nicole Meloro said.

Besides the cameras, the lighting on campus has also improved. Also new, a text message alert system, in case a major emergency ever took place. So far, it has never been used.

"About 80 percent of our college population subscribes to it and the way I look at it... is if there is an emergency where we do have to use it... I'm certain there will be a few people around that did receive it," Barrett said.

Besides LCCC, many other colleges and universities across northeastern and central Pennsylvania have instituted similar safety procedures.