To: Dr. Vincent Boudreau, president of City College

From: Lucero Ortega, student

Date: September 19, 2019

Subject: Changing the Current Security Measures to Improve School Security

 

The purpose of this memo is to recommend that the college put in place better security measures. Unfortunately, there is a wave of insecurity when it comes to certain places that we should not be afraid to be in, such as schools. This will ensure the safety of all students and staff throughout campus.

Summary

Currently, to enter a building on campus, one must present their ID to the security guards at each entrance. Although useful, I believe that there is a better way to do this in the form of ID scanners along with the security guards. I have witnessed many instances where security guards don’t bother looking up to check IDs, allowing anyone to enter the buildings. I propose that scanners be put in place at each door.

 

Discussion

Adding scanners may seem like an added expense but it would aid security guards in maintaining the safety of our school. An ID scanner should be added in every entrance to verify that the person entering is allowed to do so. It would make the job of each security guard much easier by allowing them to match the face of the person on the ID to that of the individual entering the building. The machine would state if the ID being swiped is real and valid. If the ID was invalid, it would warn the security guards allowing them to take extra safety measures in verifying the identity of the person.

There are certain times throughout the day in which many students enter the building at once, making it difficult to keep track of everyone and know for certain that they are allowed in. Visitors and students alike often have questions regarding the location of an office or classroom, among other things. These questions are likely aimed at security guards, the first people that students and visitors see. As a result, the security guard’s attention is forced to be on something other than checking the IDs of incoming students. It should not take more than two weeks to receive the new scanners. Once that has happened, all staff and student would need to get a new ID with a barcode that the scanner would recognize. This might take more time given the number of students and staff.

To my knowledge, other CUNY schools have implemented this procedure. For example, at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, students who may have lost their ID, are required to show another form of identification and sign a log. It would create a sense of safety for the faculty, students and visitors who come on campus throughout the school year. I don’t doubt that the safety measures in place are effective, but it would not hurt to take it a step further. This is an urgent issue requiring immediate attention and ensuring the safety of staff and students should always be prioritized.

 

Recommendation

I appreciate you taking the time to review the above proposal. I would like to discuss the situation further with other staff and students and have the opportunity to expand or modify the proposal to the based on the resource available to the school. I suggest holding a vote among staff and students and asking them for their insight into this proposal or alternative safety measures. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.