Cal State L.A. Faces Rising Campus Security Concerns

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Students at Cal State L.A. express concerns over campus security amidst rising theft incidents.

News Summary

Concerns about safety on the Cal State L.A. campus are escalating as incidents of motor theft and attempted robbery rise. Provost Heather Lattimer acknowledges these issues, and while the Department of Public Safety oversees campus security, students express mixed feelings about their sense of safety. With significant theft incidents reported, including 19 motor vehicle thefts last year and ongoing car break-ins, the student body is calling for improved security measures. Many feel that current strategies do not adequately protect them or their vehicles, urging the university to take decisive action.

Los Angeles – Concerns about safety and security on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles are rising as incidents of motor theft and attempted robbery have increased in recent months. Provost Heather Lattimer has acknowledged these community concerns, emphasizing the importance of safety amidst a backdrop of rising crime in the surrounding L.A. area.

To manage security, the campus is overseen by the Department of Public Safety, which comprises Eagle Patrol, Parking Services, and Campus Police. Despite these measures, students have expressed mixed feelings about their safety on campus, with some feeling secure, while others have reported unease regarding their personal safety and property.

Data indicates that Cal State L.A. experienced 19 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2022 alone. The school has also experienced a notable catalytic converter theft incident that occurred on February 24, which has heightened students’ anxieties regarding their vehicles. Alongside these thefts, reports of car break-ins have become increasingly common, causing distress among the student body.

Students are financially impacted by these issues, as parking permits at Cal State L.A. range from $60.50 to $264 per semester, with a 10% fee increase implemented in 2023. The substantial cost of these permits has led many students to expect a higher level of security for their vehicles. However, some students, like civil engineering major Kenny Rod, have voiced frustration at the lack of proactive measures taken by Public Safety. Rod expresses that he feels uneasy due to frequent encounters with strangers on campus, highlighting the need for enhancement in campus security strategies.

Furthering these concerns, student Randy Fung has criticized the campus police’s focus on property protection over student safety. Fung notes that multiple friends have been affected by car-related crimes, which reinforces his call for a more robust and responsive security presence on campus.

Students have suggested specific improvements to enhance their sense of safety. Communications major Ruby Estrella believes security guards should actively monitor parking areas, arguing that greater vigilance could deter future thefts. Additionally, students have pointed out the inadequate visibility of security, with Rod questioning the lack of security cameras or signage indicating surveillance in parking areas.

Recent events, including pro-Palestinian protests on campus that resulted in a takeover of a student services building, have also drawn attention to security measures. These protests were marked by heightened tensions and calls for transparency regarding university investments, particularly in relation to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The university police’s involvement during these protests has further ignited discussions about the effectiveness and priority of campus safety measures.

The collective sentiment among students is a desire for a more vigilant and accessible security presence on campus to address motor theft concerns and ensure overall safety. As incidents of crime have become more prevalent, students at Cal State L.A. continue to navigate their academic environment while grappling with emerging security issues.

In summary, the ongoing thefts and increasing student concerns about campus security signify a pressing need for improved safety protocols at Cal State L.A. The university administration is urged to take decisive actions to address these issues, reassure students about their safety, and enhance the overall security measures on campus.