By Steven Dlugosz

Deputy Chief of BSC University Police James McCarthy put it simply when he wrote in a letter to me how people at Buffalo State College felt about the homeland security high-risk situation: “When at level orange some students, faculty, and staff were highly concerned, some slightly concerned, and some were not concerned.”

McCarthy wrote that there have not been any visible signs of terrorist activity on campus yet, and that the nation has been downgraded to “level yellow” from orange.

Despite this, he also wrote that students should still be aware of “anything out of the ordinary, including people, vehicles, etc.”

Where can I get find out more about this situation?

McCarthy noted that if someone does see something suspicious, then they should
contact the university police at 878-6333. Another place to get valuable information on
the chances of terrorist activity happening where you live, as well as terrorist methods used, can be found on Erie County’s Web site at www.erie.gov/index.aua.html. Student at BSC Eve Wackett wrote a story, “Duct tape, plastic…WATER,” in the Feb. 28 edition of Bengal News Online that talks about possible terrorist threats to the nation’s drinking water
(http://www.buffalostate.edu/
bengalnews/feb0328/cleanwater.htm).

One such situation in the past that McCarthy can recall using this much heightened security was during the World University Games held in Buffalo in 1994.

What will happen in the future?

Despite some people worrying about possible danger on campus, he feels that people should not let it dominate their lives.

“Just go about your daily business and enjoy your life…No one can predict the future. We will have to wait and see what will happen,” McCarthy wrote.


Additional Links:
www.erie.gov/index.aua.html
http://www.buffalostate.edu/
bengalnews/feb0328/cleanwater.htm).
police@buffalostate.edu
http://www.buffalostate.edu/offices/police/