Top priority security at SCAD Atlanta
Illustration by Arthur Ball
Regarding the various security issues that have been seen in the media and on the surrounding college campuses in Atlanta, SCAD’s Security Manger Robert Koker sat down to chat about how to be safe and secure at SCAD Atlanta. Securing the perimeters of the various buildings may seem tricky in the hustle and bustle of the city, but, for Koker, security is top priority regardless of the distance.
Koker states, “The primary purpose [for the security guards] is to make sure no one gets on the property that doesn’t belong and to ensure safety, while also enforcing the rules of conduct set by the school.” While the presence of the Allied Barton security officers does not go unnoticed, some students may not be aware of the guards’ true job descriptions. SCAD student Taylor Hoard states that although she hasn’t really needed any help in regards to security, she feels that she would receive assistance, if needed. While students must attend an orientation safety session at the beginning of their first quarter at SCAD, Koker and Dean Art Malloy have been in talks to develop a method of giving the students more safety lessons.
Koker affirms, “Last fall, we did a safety week which also encompassed fire safety. Jeff Smith, the head of operations, and Helen Morgan, the head of OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] from Savannah, taught self defense classes.” He also observed that “communication” is key to keeping SCAD’s students in a positive environment. “My door is always open…If I can’t help, then, Dean Malloy will be the next candidate to [discuss] an issue.”
Koker outlined some of the ways to be safe this summer and anytime during the year.
1. Be aware of your surroundings. (Do not walk with your head down or be too
interested in your cell phone.)
2. Have your keys in your hand when you go to car. (Do not fumble around with
them.)
3. Try keeping one hand free at all times. (Make more than one trip, if necessary.
Have a possible folding cart.)
4. Walk in groups and encourage people to utilize the shuttle. (Ask for a ride on
the security trucks, if necessary.)
5. If you see something suspicious, go to the security desk and report it.
6. Have the security number programmed in your phone: 404.253.3333.
7. Ask for an escort if it is late and you do not feel safe.
8. Communicate with the officers.
9. In case of an absolute emergency, call 911 and then find security.
10. Slow down when on campus, so as not to make a bigger emergency than
originally caused.
With much of the ground coverage for the school done by camera monitoring and via the one security vehicle (which will get a sister car in the fall), as well as by the guards on each site of the school, students such as Angelyn Love, a first quarter photography student, says she “feel[s] safe” when security asks for identification. Backing this thought, Taylor Arnold, a graduate writing student, states, “I have no complaints about the security at SCAD. All of the guards are very consistent in checking our IDs when we enter the building, and they are always there to escort us out of the building if it is late at night. I feel very safe on campus.”