Finally they've done something smart...

from The Review on February 12th "University Police to Carry Guns"

It's about damn time! The earlier policy was idiotic and actively ignored the fact that we DO have crime on campus. (all bolding in original article done by me) Too bad they'll never take it the logical next step and allow the rest of us to carry. (or course DE state law prohibits it anyway)

A new policy allowing University Police officers to carry firearms on their person has been instituted.

Before this new rule, police officers were forced to keep their guns in their patrol cars. A supervisor had to be called and give the "go-ahead" before an officer was allowed to actually remove the gun from the car.

There would not be enough time to have gone through all the steps to make sure it was acceptable to use a gun, in a situation where firearms would be needed.

The old policy was a safety hazard for the police officers as well as the students and faculty they were trying to protect. Even though it is hoped that the guns will not have to be used, simply having them offers much more security.

All University Police officers have gone through extensive training with firearms. The old policy was not allowing the officers to use all of their skills to do their jobs. Now, if the situation calls for it, the officers can react as they have been trained.

The new policy allowing police to have guns on their person was partially spurred forward because of the events that occurred at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University last spring.

Sadly enough, the reality is that armed officers are somewhat of a necessity.

Some incidents have been minor, but some have not. The truth is that the new policy is for our own protection. The University Police officers are paid to look after us so we might as well allow them to do their jobs.

This is not to say the new policy is necessary only because of crimes involving students. The university does not have a closed campus. Anyone can walk onto college grounds at any time. This cannot be controlled. Preventing dangerous incidents and dealing with them in the most efficient ways is all that can be done. This new policy will not only allow officers to better protect university staff and students but also the people in the community of Newark.

By instituting the new policy, the university is openly recognizing that there is crime on campus. Half the battle is admitting that there is a problem. This new policy is a positive step towards solving this problem.