By Amahry Spencer, Currier Times Staff///

In a wide-ranging interview with The Currier Times, the vice-president who oversees Public Safety, and the search for the new Public Safety chief, said security of campus is the top priority.

Since the start of the semester, Public Safety has been a main topic on campus. Off-campus intruders gained access to dorms in two separate incidents, and a well-publicized fight in the Dining Hall left one of the participants with injuries needing medical attention.

The last residence hall incident included one of the intruders brandishing a gun; no one was injured in the event.

It has left some students wondering if Public Safety should be allowed to carry guns. Vice-President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Erik Muurisepp, said that it is not an easy decision to make.

“We are not an armed campus,” said Muurisepp. “I am not opposed to it but also at this point we are looking at overall safety functions, protocols, and all of that, so I don’t have an official stance.”

Muurisepp added, “It’s a hot topic and one that we’d have to have much more conversation with as a full community.” 

That would likely involved a Public Safety Chief that also favored such a move. Muurisepp, who has been leading the search for a new Public Safety Chief since the departure of Paul King, said the college was down to three finalists, and the decision should be wrapped up after Thanksgiving.

“I’ve been really happy with our candidates so far,” said Muurisepp. “I am looking for someone that is a presence on campus, a member of the community, a strong communicator, and someone that will really help us evaluate and strengthen our department.”

As for current security measures in the residence halls, Muurisepp said a new security app, designed for students at Curry, has been in development and will be released within the next few months.

“We are in the process of finalizing and launching a campus safety app,” said Muurisepp. “This would be essential for students to receive alerts and dangers more efficiently.”

He added that safety has to begin with students, like not just propping a door open to a residence hall or letting random people inside by holding a door open.

“I think our residence halls are secure,” said Muurisepp. “As much as the community members make it secure. All of our doors are locked, our front access points are all tap-accessed, it’s when folks let others in that are not part of our community so that’s the important part.”

Policies for off-campus visitors are being updated, including a virtual guest pass.

“Guest passes along with the safety app will be launching consecutively and a broader description will be made for non-students on campus,” said Muurisepp.

Self-defense was also an item discussed, with the idea of students having pepper spray or other defensive materials available in their bags or backpacks. Muurisepp said Massachusetts laws would need to be reviewed on the item of pepper spray.

Curry does offer self-defense courses like karate, and a self-defense class, sponsored by Public Safety and Residence Life and Housing, was expected to take place November 20th, available to students who wanted to opt-in, which was expected to be well attended at the Katz Gym.

If students are ever feeling unsafe, there are resources here at Curry like Public Safety, which is on call 24/7, counseling which is available, and residential services (if you reside).

And remember, a safe campus begins with keeping your eyes and ears open. If you see something suspicious, call Public Safety at 617-333-2222 and if it’s an emergency, call 911.