Morgan State University in Baltimore is taking no chances with its homecoming week this year, following a history of violence that reached a peak with a campus shooting last year. In response, the university's campus police have introduced an extensive security plan that includes a beefed-up police presence and advanced surveillance technology.
Last year's chaos unfolded on October 3, near Thurgood Marshall Residence Hall and Murphy Fine Arts Center, leaving five people shot — four of whom were students. One year later, the scar of that violence endured, with a notable security boost. Students like 19-year-old sophomore Samantha Mauril are still grappling with the trauma, "I didn't even attend coronation because I was just too scared to go into Murphy.I think it's just a lot of PTSD.So, I watched it from my TV from home in my dorm room, because I just couldn't go," Mauril stated, per Fox Baltimore.
The security measures are conspicuous: More than 200 officers will patrol the campus, aided by drones, license plate readers, additional security cameras, and weapons detection technology. "There's a lot of things behind the scenes, and a lot of things that we're doing that will not be seen," Chief of Police Lance Hatcher said, emphasizing the unseen aspects of the new security measures in a statement detailed by CBS News.
Notably, the campus-wide security system now boasts over 3,100 camera views. "Whenever you step foot on Morgan's campus, rest assured that you are on camera.As long as you're not in a private area, you're going to be on camera," Hatcher expanded in details shared with Fox Baltimore. Campus building closures are also part of the plan, with doors closing by 3 pm on homecoming day, and a campus-wide clearing starting at 6:30 pm, all structures closed by 7 pm on the Saturday of the event.
