Mesa Legend - News - Campus safe although Baseline killer still at large

August 21, 2006
Campus safe although Baseline killer still at large

Zach Hibert
Mesa Legend

Despite a serial killer on the loose, campus security is confident that students and faculty remain safe.

In recent months five surveillance cameras have been added to MCC.

“We can see almost everywhere on campus, and a few cameras are on the inside of buildings now,” said public saftey Capt. Lynn Bray.

Bray said that 24 hours a day, 365 days a year the campus is being monitored. If someone suspicious were to set foot on campus, that person will be approached immediately. If there is no reason for the individual’s presence at MCC he or she will be escorted off of school grounds.

The cameras can also be used to zoom in and record the license plate of cars driving through campus.

“The best thing students can do is to be aware of their surroundings. If anybody sees anything suspicious, we can be reached by one of the call boxes and will walk anybody out to their car if they feel unsafe, especially at night.” Bray said.

After students stay late writing last minute papers or studying, the librarians are some of the last staff members to leave campus.

“We have not discussed night time safety, we either walk out to the parking lot in pairs, or call security and have them escort us out anyways,” said Marie Brown, a faculty librarian.

She also said that students staying late can call from one of the help desks if they would like security to accompany them out to the parking lot.

Students are not unaware of the potential threat of a serial killer.

Josie Warner runs often. When she does she carries mace with her, just in case. Her boyfriend, Chris Young, also a student at MCC, said that in lieu of the killer they have had to be more cautious and observant, “keeping our eyes open for anything.”

Descriptions of the Baseline Killer are sketchy. Attention to detail is important. If someone suspicious is spotted, remembering a physical description is helpful for police, especially characteristics that stand out such as moles, bad teeth, tattoos, and scars. Clothes are not as useful, as they can be changed.

Being observant however, will not save a life in immediate danger. “It is best that students walk in pairs at night,” said Bray.

He also said that it is a good idea for anybody that does walk alone to carry mace or pepper spray. According to Dean Judith Taussig pepper spray is allowed on campus, and does not fall into the dangerous weapons category as long as it is “used responsibly” for self defense.

Grounds For Thought employee Heather Legg said that pepper spray would not make her feel safer. “It can be taken away,” said Legg.

So far, the serial killer has targeted mainly residential areas and dimly lit businesses. “A college campus is not his MO, but you never know,” said Bray.
Right now there is nothing more that can be done to make MCC safer aside from keeping eyes open, and reporting anything out of the ordinary to campus security.