Three months after a tragic shooting at Brown University, where two students lost their lives and nine others were injured, Northeastern University students largely express they feel safe on campus. However, many admit they lack knowledge about the university’s emergency procedures in case of an active shooter situation.
The incident at Brown, followed by the murder of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, has left a lingering sense of unease across campuses. Universities nationwide are ramping up security measures, yet a recent survey by The Huntington News found that over 84% of Northeastern’s students are unaware of the school’s active shooter protocols. While the Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) conducts training during orientation, many students still feel uninformed.
Ruben Galindo, Northeastern’s Chief of Police, reassures students that the university is ready for emergencies. He stresses a proactive stance on safety. “We anticipate major incidents, so we are always prepared,” he says. In response to the Brown shooting, other institutions like Columbia and Harvard have implemented stricter building access measures, yet Northeastern has not announced similar protocols, raising concerns among faculty and students alike.
In an intriguing conversation during a faculty senate meeting, associate professor Veronica Godoy-Carter questioned why buildings remain unlocked. Provost Beth Winkelstein responded that while safety is paramount, maintaining Northeastern’s “open campus” is also a priority.
Northeastern’s Boston campus is monitored by NUPD, which oversees over 1,200 cameras. Galindo shared that the university is working on a new security system to manage access to buildings, although a complete lockdown won’t occur. “We need to strike a balance,” he said, recognizing the logistical challenges of managing student access.
Despite the ongoing conversation about safety, many students feel confident. In a recent survey, around 76.6% rated their safety on campus between eight and ten on a scale of one to ten. Joshua Behar, a first-year student, voiced his feelings of safety, sharing his experiences on campus.
However, another statistic is troubling: only 15.5% of students feel prepared for an emergency. This disconnect calls for better communication about safety measures. While NUPD offers various initiatives, like preparedness training and an emergency notification system called NU Alert, many students still feel left out of crucial information.
The SafeZone app is another resource Galindo recommends for students, allowing them to share their location with emergency services. Yet, some students argue that current alert systems are inadequate, emphasizing the need for more effective communication options.
Safety measures, like the network of Blue Light Phones across campus, aim to provide immediate help. These phones connect directly to NUPD, ensuring quick responses. Safety escorts and the Red Eye Shuttle service are also available, highlighting the department’s commitment to student safety.
Yet, recent spikes in crime in the Boston area have raised concerns. Noteworthy incidents, like the murder of 21-year-old Tatiyana Flood and attempts of assault, have made students more vigilant.
Galindo attributes Northeastern’s low rate of active incidents to their intelligence-based approach, which focuses on preventing threats before they escalate. James Alan Fox, a criminology expert at Northeastern, reinforces that the events at Brown are exceedingly rare. According to Fox’s research, serious violent incidents on campuses occur infrequently—about one per year across 3,000 universities over the past 35 years.
In an urban environment like Boston, NUPD works diligently to minimize risks for students. Their strategies aim to create a safe atmosphere, especially at night when concerns tend to heighten. “2 p.m. in Boston and 2 a.m. are two different towns,” Galindo notes, indicating the complexities of urban safety.
While Northeastern has not experienced a shooting like Brown’s, its lessons resonate. Greater awareness and communication about safety protocols could empower students and ultimately enhance their sense of security on campus.
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