Clockwork orange

Even with the United States at war with Iraq and heightened security throughout the country, university officials have decided not to return to the “lockdown” state seen earlier this year.

“While we continue to patrol campus tightly, we do not plan on having another lockdown situation,” said Mike Lauzon, assistant director of Security. “We do not plan on going under four security officers per shift.”

“Everything is safe on campus,” Lauzon said. “There have been no threats. It is important, however, that students are on a lookout and do not take rides from strangers.”

Students continued to feel a sense of safety, despite the current situation in Iraq.

“I think security is doing a great job,” said Teddy Najjar, ’03. “I don’t want another lockdown though. That just caused more problems than it prevented in the first place.”

In comparison with Fairfield’s fellow Jesuit institution in the Bronx, NY, Fordham University students reported that security has not been increased since the war. New York Police Department continues to patrol the entire campus, and student identification checks have become stricter.

“I.D. checks have increased on campus, but there has not been a significant increase in security since the war began,” said Fordham student Joe Abreu, ’04. “This is probably because security is so tight around here already. There’s only so much security can do. If you have a problem report it to the police.”

Although crime has declined, security reported that a suspicious man has been lurking near the library, approaching at least four different female students this past week.

The suspect, whose identity is yet to be determined, has been described as a 6’0″ balding Caucasian male in his early 40s with a moustache. Security received phone calls from four different female students on March 24, 26, 27, and 31.

“The suspect has approached several female students and asked them to go on dates,” Lauzon said.

Students responded with disgust to the situation.

“I think that is repulsive,” said Kristen Keleher, ’04. “I will definitely be on the look out for him.”

Jocelyn Knight, ’04 agreed. “I think it’s frightening,” she said. “Why is he even around here to begin with? I’m going to look for other study options and stay away from the library for now.”

The suspect was last seen on Sunday afternoon in front of the library. Security reminded students to report any suspicious behavior and to carry identification at all times.

It is in situations like this that the 14 security cameras around campus help security officers in the prevention of crime.

“They have really been a great advancement for us,” Lauzon said. “Crime has pretty much declined. We have had no stolen automobiles at all this year.”

The cameras allow security to zoom in on several areas around campus, in an effort to stop criminals in the act. Acts of crime, such as vandalism, theft and student fights, have been captured on film, and security has reacted quickly.

Crime has declined dramatically since 2001, and there have been no terrorist threats since the war in Iraq began on March 19.