LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Crime still on students' minds

To the Editor: University President Judith Rodin, Public Safety Managing Director Tom Seamon, University Police Captain John Richardson and Police Operations Director Maureen Rush, I ask you: Why was my fellow student shot and severely wounded not one block off campus? Why were at least 26 other students and University City residents victims of violent crimes as well? When is Penn going to institute a comprehensive crime-prevention program that will protect us and restore our safety? We've heard the rhetoric and the excuses already. Now give us solutions. Students have a right to expect adequate security on and around campus. As evidenced by the rash of violent crime in the past few weeks, the security currently in place at Penn is simply inadequate. From the little we've been told by security officials, I believe those in charge of safety on campus are taking the wrong approach to this problem. Richardson advocates Penn students being passive victims of crime, not wanting us to "do anything dumb, like scream" ("Four more U. students robbed near campus," DP, 9/24/96) -- or in Patrick Leroy's case, try to escape from an assailant -- but students deserve a more proactive police force to take further steps to ensure that crime does not occur in the first place. The entire student body is united in this cause. Give us the protection we need. Adam Eisner College '98 n To the Editor: Two hundred angry and scared students rallied on the Green last Wednesday, but there are more who are equally angry and equally scared on Penn's campus. How is it that it took more than 20 robberies and one attempted murder for our cries to finally be heard? We are not stupid. We already walk in groups, look behind our shoulders and travel in well-lit areas. We are as cautious as we can be. Why isn't that good enough? The safety outlets we have are not sufficient. Escort is not accessible to off-campus students because unless you are at one of the seven designated stops, you will not be picked up. If you are waving down Penn Escort on the street and haven't called before, they won't pick you up either. PennWatch, the newest of Penn safety services, consists of groups of four students patrolling the campus. But haven't we just seen that small "safe" groups are not safe enough? It is apparent that this is no longer a local crime spree. The men who shot Patrick Leroy were from out of state. Criminals are coming here to prey on students. We need more than just campus protection. We need Philadelphia residents actively voicing their concerns for their city and and all of its students. It's got to end. It has to. We won't be prisoners in our homes, because we are not safe there either. Get used to hearing our angry voices. Until we get what we need, there will be no silence. Logan Levkoff College '98 Elisabeth Bernard College '99 n To the Editor: As one of the two-thirds of upperclassmen residing off-campus, I find it rather pathetic that I continue to be terrified to walk home from the library or leave my house at night. Following the shooting of Patrick Leroy September 25, a few more police cars have come onto the scene at night, but most of the streets around the site of the shooting are still deserted throughout the dark hours. While as students we have demanded immediate action, we need to emphasize our specific demands. Why can't the administration and police force of an Ivy League school realize that all it takes is two or three policemen per block to patrol the streets after dark? The half-dozen police officers stationed at 40th and Locust streets during the day chomping on hoagies from Uni-Mart should save their energy for night. Instead of giving bikers speeding tickets on Locust Walk and breaking up harmless fraternity parties, these cops are really needed in the nighttime hours to patrol the small area of streets around the University where so many students reside. For all the money we pay, such a task can easily be accomplished. Student safety is the first priority. It is ridiculous that the University continues to remain so dangerous. I am sick of contemplating the chances of getting mugged or shot every time I leave my house. We must demand direct action now. Danielle Silverman College '98 n To the Editor: I am a concerned Penn parent, alumnus and secondary school committee member. My sophomore son cannot walk home from the library at night or walk with a group of fellow students without fearing for his life. His phone calls home and his anxiety increase with each new report of crime on campus. As an alumnus, representing Penn to high school students and their parents, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to address this issue with prospective students and their families. The full column report in the New York Times last Saturday inflames fear nationwide. What is being done to make the University safer for my son and other students? Security should be a priority. The reputation of a crime-ridden campus can overshadow academics. More than 10 additional police and some blue light phones are needed. Why spend five million dollars for diversity programs? Spend some of the five million dollars to hire enough police to patrol the entire Penn community from 44th Street east to the Schuylkill River. President Rodin's Agenda for Excellence must include security. Stephen Kalstein College '63 n To the Editor: For reasons that are not entirely clear, crime is up all over the city of Philadelphia. Penn is not the only target. In the short term, University Police is hiring 19 additional police officers as quickly as possible. We are changing our deployment patterns to put the maximum number of officers on the street during the high crime hours. We are deploying 10 additional security guards on foot patrols at night in the problem area. As quickly as possible, beginning November 1, we will be adding 66 new blue light phones. The Philadelphia police and SEPTA police have given the campus area additional patrols, both on foot and in vehicles. In addition to some of these short-term measures, we continue implementation of the safety and security improvements outlined in the Public Safety Strategic Plan. Thomas Seamon Public Safety Managing Director