Due to a rash of sexual assaults across campus in the last month and a half, security and patrols have been increased as well as the service hours of the escort service. These measures seem like natural preventative measures, but I must ask, how long will this heightened sense of security continue and is it even all that effective?
After Sept. 11, 2001, there was a huge spike in airport and aeronautical security. Yet, we rarely hear of these measures catching other would-be suicide bombers. Now, that not to say that these measures haven’t warded off potential airline terrorists, but if a determined individual wanted to bypass security, he could probably do it. However, five years since the attack, airline paranoia has significantly decreased.
I think that this is a similar situation that we face today at Cal State Long Beach. Right now, people are scared and want to know if they will be safe. Increased security is a way to do this, but is it really worth all the trouble?
Some might be quick to point out that as a male, I have no idea what it feels like to be afraid for my body and my life. This is true. But I think that an objective observer is more important in situations like these than someone who is not. As a species, humans seem to fear the most irrational things while blinding themselves to far more pressing concerns. We outlaw drugs and limit alcohol use, yet Americans cannot get over their love affair with fast food. Avian flu was a big scare, yet most people neglect to get common flu vaccines, a disease that does kill 36,000 people a year.
In the case of these sexual assaults, out of thousands of girls, you have to be walking at the right time near the right place to be assaulted. I am not saying that it is impossible and should not be feared, but just step back and look at the overall picture.
First of all, these additional security personnel are either being hired at higher rates to fill the present need, or already employed cops who are working double hours. The money has to come from somewhere, money that could be spent elsewhere.
Secondly, even with extended hours, there are not enough personal escorts for everyone. And lastly, if I were a young woman, I would not trust my safety to a police officer or hope that a cop car will pass by me in my hour of need.
I think that the best idea is to find your own bodyguard, whether it is your boyfriend, guy friend or any other girls that you know heading home along the same route. If you can’t tell already, I am a libertarian and I firmly believe that the authorities should not do for the individual what he or she can do for themselves, usually in a more efficient fashion. As such, I think that personal safety in this instance, is one such case where this ideology is applicable.
Justin Brown is a freshman civil engineering major.
