SUPD ups security on campus, at SU events

The violence has “hit home.” In the aftermath of this tragic event, all professional, as well as college-level games and events were cancelled the September 11th weekend, including Southern University’s football game against Prairie View.
With this time taken off by teams and event coordinators to cope with the nation’s latest tragedy, the city of Baton Rouge and the Southern University Police Department has been placed on high alert.
The security team here at SU also won’t be taking any chances when it comes to protecting the lives of the student body, its faculty staff and visitors to the campus.
“Personally, I believe the security should be heightened because while we’re in war abroad, our country will be open here. Due to the tragedy at hand, I feel security is a strong ‘must’ when terrorism is at large,” said Phillip Simon, senior theatre arts major from Lake Charles
Dale Flowers the SU Chief of Police explained what new security measures would be implemented as “permanent, normal procedures.” As far as increased police protection, the Louisiana State troopers, as well as more Baton Rouge city police will provide an enforcing presence.
“At games and events, the number of campus police will be increased as well as having help from the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs deputy department,” said Flowers. “They work all games anyway, but we’re just adding more,” he replied.
Chief Flowers also adds that ALL bags, no matter what kind, will be searched from now on.
“Please don’t bring anything,” Flowers advises all game-goers. “But if you do decide to bring a bag, just know that it will be searched.”
Flowers also states that gates to all student events will be opened three hours prior to them starting instead of two hours due to bag searches because SU will be having 40 to 50, 000 people in one place at the same time, it is necessary to take every precaution to make (events) a safe and enjoyable time.
As Americans seem to have taken on a renewed sense of patriotism due to disaster, many still remain somber as they reflect upon the nation’s “new reality.” “It’s tragic that it would happen in America and I am saddened, but this is the age we live in,” Flowers added.