Campus Security and the Virginia Tech Tragedy

April 17, 2007

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of life at Virginia Tech. Many at Rutgers have friends, colleagues, and family members there. All of us feel the sorrow and grief they are suffering. I have written to President Steger to extend our deepest sympathies to him and to every member of the Virginia Tech community, especially the loved ones of those who were killed Monday. We also wish fervently for the quick recovery of the injured and, ultimately, for healing within the Virginia Tech family.

Many people in our community have asked whether our university is prepared to deal with a crisis that endangers the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Please know that we take your security very seriously and work hard to keep our campuses as safe as possible. 

The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) on each campus is a highly professional force with armed officers who have undergone specialized training and continue regular training to deal with a wide range of crisis scenarios. In any crisis situation, the RUPD is also supported by the police departments in all our host municipalities through mutual aid partnerships, and by county, state, and federal agencies. 

Our residence halls operate on electronic lock systems requiring card access 24 hours a day or are staffed 24 hours a day by security guards who check identification for anyone seeking entrance to the building. Security cameras in residence halls and in other locations on all Rutgers campuses act as a deterrent to criminal behavior, can be monitored at any time, and capture data that help us respond to emergent crises and identify wanted suspects.

Unfortunately, what happened at Virginia Tech could happen anywhere. At Rutgers we are committed to learn from this tragedy, and, where appropriate, change our policies and procedures. The events in Blacksburg, for example, have caused us to evaluate our own emergency notification procedures to expedite the delivery of critical information. Like many other universities nationwide, we will be working to strengthen our emergency communication system and the safety of our campuses.

This tragedy touches every person in our community. Some may be having great difficulty in dealing with this tragedy. Let me remind you that we have student life staff in the residence halls and counselors and campus ministries available throughout the university who can be of assistance to you. 

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey