Security Speaks out.

When asked about the process taken when a crime is reported on Spelman’s campus, one part time security representative Officer James Cannon stated, “Although there a lot of things we would like to change about the system, we work to the best of our ability to keep the students here safe.” Unlike other schools that provide shuttles, the Spelman shuttle is only allowed to make a few stops to accommodate the students. One of the stops is the Marta station. The Marta is one of the most renowned modes of public transportation in the State of Georgia, as they also work towards having a safe, positive environment. Unfortunately there is not always security on site, making it easy for crime and other things to take place with students and other citizens of the community. Other stops include the Woodruff Library and Spelman’s parking deck. With the lack of resources that are available to the students, it is obvious that the shuttle should make more stops for safety reasons as well as to expand the opportunities and activities in the area for the students. In 2009 A Spelman College student was killed and a Clark-Atlanta student wounded during a shooting early Thursday morning September 3rd on the Clark-Atlanta campus. 1 Killed, 1 Wounded In Clark-Atlanta Shooting "Jasmine Lynn, a Spelman student in her 20s from Kansas City, Mo., was shot after gunfire ranged out during a fight in the 200 block of James P. Brawley Drive", according to police. Lynn was walking with a group of friends back to the Spelman campus when they passed by the fight. "One of the friends actually heard the gunshots, actually saw the weapon and told her to get on the ground," said Lt. Keith Meadows of the Atlanta Police Department. "Before she was able to get on the ground she was struck in the chest by a stray round." Bystanders then rushed to help Lynn. "I walked up to the girl 'cause she was laying on the ground," said witness Danays Marquez. "She was drenched in blood and it looked like she was taking her last breath." A bullet also hit an 18-year-old Clark-Atlanta student in the wrist. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Although not on Spelman's campus, how could this situation have been prevented? Ones life was lost, another injured what must future students keep in mind when walking around campus. This reported from WSBTV, however an email was sent out to the student body, nothing else was said nor done about the threats this could call to other students. When visiting colleges be sure to ask questions, in regards to overall safety: 1. What types of safety initiatives do you have in place? Do you have K9 patrols throughout the campus? 2. How do I contact my child on campus? Many colleges will provide a campus address and local phone service with voicemail.Do you have security cameras and outdoor emergency phones? 3. What kinds of strategies/training do you have in place for students that will help them feel empowered? 4. Do you have security cameras and outdoor emergency phones? 5. What should be done in case of an emergency? Most colleges have campus police. Make sure your son or daughter posts his or her number in a highly visible area. 6. Where are the emergency telephones located on the campus? Do they work properly, and how often are they tested? Do the calls automatically go to the police? 7. Do you have certified campus policemen and are they allowed to carry a weapon? 8. How can I get a summary of crimes that have been reported on campus? What about statistics on date rape? 9. What is your college's overall safety record? 10. In what kind of neighborhood is the college located? http://angelicatrimble.wordpress.com/