What happens, happens.
Some students say terrorist-related attacks like the one on Sept. 11 are unavoidable. Someone determined to commit such attacks will do so, said Isaac Sprowl, a freshman business administrations major. And they’ll do it regardless of how tight security is.
“I don’t think there’s much that can be done,” said Sprowl. “If something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. I feel security here is doing their best though.”
Security on the USM campus has increased slightly since the attack on the United States two weeks ago. Some students say they haven’t noticed.
“I don’t think security has increased on campus since Tuesday’s events,” said Maria Vasquezi, a freshman sociology major. “The dorms are kept secured, but not the campus itself.”By Aimee Risteen
Staff Writer
What happens, happens.
Some students say terrorist-related attacks like the one on Sept. 11 are unavoidable. Someone determined to commit such attacks will do so, said Isaac Sprowl, a freshman business administrations major. And they’ll do it regardless of how tight security is.
“I don’t think there’s much that can be done,” said Sprowl. “If something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. I feel security here is doing their best though.”
Security on the USM campus has increased slightly since the attack on the United States two weeks ago. Some students say they haven’t noticed.
“I don’t think security has increased on campus since Tuesday’s events,” said Maria Vasquezi, a freshman sociology major. “The dorms are kept secured, but not the campus itself.”
USM police officers are working overtime to support the extra security, said Police Chief Lisa Beecher. The number of overtime officers depends on the week and what’s going on. There is unplanned emergency overtime, such as this past week, and planned overtime that includes extra security for scheduled events such as concerts, which is paid for by the sponsors of the event.
The money to supply unplanned security comes from the student development budget, which consists of money from education and general tuition money, student fees, health fees, state legislation appropriation, and miscellaneous income.
Public Safety Assistance, a group of student safety officers, has provided additional security at campus social events. PSA members do not carry weapons and perform lower-level jobs such as escorting and patrolling residence halls. They are not allowed to respond to calls.
The Gorham Police Department has not increased security, but the City of Portland has.
According to Lt. Judy Ridge of the Portland Police Department, there are overtime officers securing different locations that involve transportation or shipping.
“I hope the cost isn’t coming out of our budget,” said Ridge. “I believe it’s coming out of those requesting the extra security.”
Officials say the duration of the added security is unknown.
“It’s difficult to say how long security will be heightened,” said Beecher. “Security will probably go back to regular numbers slowly.”
Staff Writer Aimee Risteen can be contacted at: [email protected]