Homecoming brings increase in campus security, safety regulations

During this year's homecoming festivities, there will be an increase in police officers around the phases and the campus overall.
 Recently campus police have been offering defense tactic courses upon request, so that people will be able to protect themselves while they are out celebrating this year.
 Senior business management major Kenneth West believes that because of an increase in campus security the overall transportation process is more tedious; however it is necessary due to the increase of campus break-ins.
 In addition to campus security, there have been new provisions made for the annual tent party.
 There will be a fence around the alumni field, stretching from Anderson Hall to Hilliard Hall and security will be out monitoring every entrance.
 Students are not allowed to bring back packs or cups. Students will be turned around if either of these items is in their possession.
  "In addition to safety checks, intoxicated students and students causing crowd control problems will be dealt with by the police and student conduct," said Steve Ransom, executive director of student engagement.
 This year there will be more medical staff and police present due to the outcome of last year's tent party.
 "Last year's tent party was out of control and we need to take certain measures to ensure student safety," said Ransom.
 Danielle Wilson, a junior education major, feels more campus security during homecoming is appropriate.
"People have to make their own decisions as adults. No one is going to hold your hand," Wilson said.
Police chief Zena Stephens says the increase of security is not so much because of the students as it is because of the outside visitors that come on campus.
"The number of people on campus dramatically increases from 8,000 to 20,000. It's not the students we're worried about; it's the people who come on to campus that we don't know about," said Stephens.
Darryl Hunt, sergeant of investigations states that "we try to be everywhere, all the time."
Hunt says that ultimately it is up to students to report any incidents and to not be afraid to do so.
Xavier Oliphant a senior psychology major considers increased campus security to be fair.
"There are other people that come on campus that make PV look bad, but I think security still shouldn't be as strict," Oliphant said.