Time for an upgrade

Jacqueline Perlin
Assistant News Editor
New measures at York will allow on-campus security officers to carry handcuffs and collapsible batons as part of their equipment.

These recent changes have stemmed from a Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) report that was released in March 2010, detailing measures the university can take to make the campus safer.
“We will be providing information on the implementation of the METRAC report,” says President Shoukri, who adds that there has been a 30 per cent increase in security on campus as well as increased campus lighting fixtures.
This is only one of many initiatives the university is taking, following several on- and off-campus assaults and a student death during the summer months.
Shoukri says York intends to give updates on the status of the METRAC report through a goal-oriented community letter, and that security officers around campus should be carrying their new equipment as of early 2012.
Vanessa Hunt, president of the York Federation of Students (YFS), calls this new initiative a “good middle ground”.
“We’ve seen that non-intervention from security officers doesn’t work,” says Hunt. “This option is good since the security officers must be equipped with a certain amount of material to do their job.”
Nevertheless, Hunt’s concern also lies with preserving students’ rights.
“What we don’t want is students beaten with batons, like at a peaceful protest,” she says, explaining the YFS has been meeting with the university to discuss how students’ rights will be protected under this new security measure.
Shoukri, however, explains all officers will receive extensive training.
“We take this very seriously and they have to be trained appropriately,” says Shoukri, explaining that the reason for the 2012 delay itself is due to the time needed to train the officers. “This is about enhancing the ability of security to do their job and that involves providing them with ability to do their job. This training is essential so that staff don’t go wild.”
Shoukri admits that despite speculations the goSAFE program would be scaled back, the program will continue to remain on campus and may even evolve further as safety measures are put in place.
“I know I have heard about how the university is held liable with goSAFE, but I am committed that this service will continue to exist and will be expanded,” he says. “Legalities aside, our number one issue is the safety and security of our campus.”
Shoukri also says further safety efforts are under way in the Village.
“I’m counting a lot on the Town and Gown Committee that we created, which involves representatives of the municipal government and the university staff,” he said. “We want to put pressure on the city to make sure they’re implementing their bylaws.”
Read More: What do students have to say about this issue?