The slashing at Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College West raises questions about campus security measures. (“16-year-old nabbed over slashing incident at ITE”; March 11)
Did the lone security guard who yelled at the attacker call his colleagues who were on duty at other locations? Are the guards provided with walkie-talkies to radio for urgent reinforcements?
The victim was supposedly not even a student of the college, but it was reported that he used to roam the campus often. Why was this allowed? Are there any closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the campus atrium?
If so, alarm bells should have rung in the security command centre. If not, there should be basic security cameras that help detect potential danger. Big campuses do require measures to ensure the safety of students.
I have visited ITE College Central, for example, many times. The food court, POSB bank, NTUC FairPrice and eateries are open to the public, people walk in and out freely and the guards are oblivious to the surroundings.
While we cannot stop the public from patronising college dining outlets and other services, basic security measures such as CCTV surveillance and intensive foot patrols should be standard operating procedure.
We cannot assume there will be no unexpected incidents in places such as ITE colleges, which attract large crowds.
Did the lone security guard who yelled at the attacker call his colleagues who were on duty at other locations? Are the guards provided with walkie-talkies to radio for urgent reinforcements?
The victim was supposedly not even a student of the college, but it was reported that he used to roam the campus often. Why was this allowed? Are there any closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the campus atrium?
If so, alarm bells should have rung in the security command centre. If not, there should be basic security cameras that help detect potential danger. Big campuses do require measures to ensure the safety of students.
I have visited ITE College Central, for example, many times. The food court, POSB bank, NTUC FairPrice and eateries are open to the public, people walk in and out freely and the guards are oblivious to the surroundings.
While we cannot stop the public from patronising college dining outlets and other services, basic security measures such as CCTV surveillance and intensive foot patrols should be standard operating procedure.
We cannot assume there will be no unexpected incidents in places such as ITE colleges, which attract large crowds.
