Unfortunately, universities all over the world have become a common setting for crime. A place that is designed to educate and help students grow is not immune to the bad things of this world. This is why most colleges are equipped with some sort of on-campus security, and Azusa Pacific University is no exception. With a team of trained officers located on campus, the Department of Campus Safety strives to create a safe working environment for students and staff.
With this said, who’s to say students shouldn’t always be prepared to defend themselves? Some students choose to carry self-defense weapons such as pepper spray or a Taser, while others simply keep these items in a desk drawer to ease parental concern.
Surprisingly, it seems as if the majority of APU students don’t feel the need to go out and buy pepper spray at all. Instead, they simply trust in their local police department and the university’s campus safety officers.
Junior liberal studies major Kelsie Spoelstra admits to owning a pocket-knife, Taser and pepper spray, all given to her from family members who worry about her.
“I don’t feel I am an intimidating person, so if I was ever faced with a scenario where I had to fight for my life, I’d like to have something to defend myself with,” Spoelstra said.
She explained how she doesn’t always carry an item of defense in her purse, but likes to be prepared when she is off campus. Although she likes the idea of being secure, she doesn’t feel as if it is necessary most of the time.
“Here at APU, there are students everywhere, and campus safety is always roaming around, so I feel it’s just up to us to be smart about it,” said Spoelstra. “For example, don’t go wandering around at night by yourself. those kinds of things are just not smart.”
Campus safety consists of both professional officers and student workers. Junior communication studies major Stephanie Fuentes is an employee there and has worked at two different positions within the department: parking coordinator and community service representative.
“This job has taught me how to think quickly and be aware of my surroundings,” Fuentes said.
Fuentes feels that even as a student worker, her job still contributes to the safety of the school. She explained how students generally are unaware that there can be danger at any time, and feels a sense of responsibility to be an extra set of eyes and ears for the campus community.
“I do think students should be allowed to carry weapons of self-defense, but I think students should be trained how to use them first, so they don’t put anyone else in danger,” Fuentes said.
Fuentes brings up a valuable and essential point to this conversation. She is encouraging students to learn about how to use self-defense mechanisms properly.
There is concern from the university that these weapons could be a threat to innocent bystanders. These gadgets are not allowed on campus; Campus Safety Department Chief Terry Meyer said Tasers, pepper spray and other weapons are strictly prohibited. But should students be allowed to carry these items at all times?
Some could argue it isn’t necessary and the responsibility is too much of a burden. It all depends on the person, but either way I believe it’s important to make smart choices when it comes to safety and to not be completely clueless.