As a concerned student at Fresno City College, I have noticed the lack of security on campus. I’m only in my first semester, but it has become apparent to me that FCC is not a safe place for students, staff and faculty.
Exterior cameras, security personnel, lighted walkways and parking lots as well as safeguarded restrooms seem to be lacking on campus.
In addition to the lack of cameras, none of the current cameras on campus align with the bike racks, leaving all bikes exposed with no protection.
Within the first month of the semester, I had a bike stolen from FCC. There was no recoverable video data of the incident. Administrative personnel said that more than 20 bikes a week were stolen from campus during the first month. To ensure that my bike would not get stolen again, I purchased a U-lock. So far it has been left alone.
Security on campus is more of a disposition rather than a benefit. Patrolling officers are rarely seen outside of their vehicles.
Due to a lack of personnel, there is no one walking and patrolling around and through the buildings. The response time for emergency situations leaves something to be desired. There is no unified evacuation plan for students and staff.
The orange colored light bulbs in the light fixtures leave many dark spaces around campus. These areas of vulnerability expose students to risks and potential danger. Due to the poorly lit walkways at FCC, some students feel insecure walking to and from their classes and the parking lot at night. Parking lots are dimly lit leaving students and staff susceptible to danger.
Restrooms on campus are not monitored or patrolled.
During night classes, the restrooms are not secured for personal safety. Some restrooms are in low traffic areas on campus. This deficiency leaves students and staff defenseless whenever they use the restroom.
This campus needs more functioning security cameras, additional personnel for security patrols, better lighting and protected entryways for restrooms. If the college takes all the necessary steps, it could lower the amount of crime and theft, and the safety of students, staff and faculty would be dramatically improved.
