After four attacks on females at Cal State Long Beach this semester, many people are seeking ways to feel safer and more in control while on campus. Because of this, police night patrols have doubled since these attacks occurred, and campus security is on duty from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. in the morning.
But students are taking other various precautions due to the happenings on campus. Many students, mostly females, might start to carry self-defense mechanisms with them, with pepper spray or mace being the most common form.
The difference between pepper spray and mace is that pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, while mace is a strong irritant. Both are not lethal.
“I think the most used self-defense weapon is pepper spray, but the downside is that it can be used against the victim in a situation,” said Krystal Henry, a junior resident assistant at CSULB. “I believe it is smart for women to carry a self-defense weapon.”
These deterrents can be purchased at local camping, outdoor and sports stores, and its affects have been proven to prevent victims from becoming raped or attacked. Big 5 Sporting Goods is one store in the area that carries them.
“I think that students should be able to carry mace [for] self-defense because it is safe for the victim and not life-threatening to the attacker,” said undeclared freshman Christine Johnson. “As far as knives and guns go, I do not think they should be allowed on campus unless you are a cop.”
Safety products are found in numerous stores and online, such as amazon.com and collegesafe.com. Some of the products include personal alarms that can scare the attacker away, various types of pepper sprays, flash lights and dorm security systems.
“I think that the females of CSULB should be able to carry mace in order to feel safe walking to and from night classes,” said freshman business major Lauren States. “I do not have any pepper spray, but I want to get some.”
“I don’t personally have a self-defense weapon on me and I do not think I really need one because I am smart about where I go at night and who I’m with,” said senior Emily Cantrell. “The cop rate has gone up and the escort service is very helpful. This is why I do not feel the need to carry anything. I feel pretty safe.”
