SLC Security: A look at Hoffman's forces

by Michael Berlin

Thursday November 29, 2007

Sporting the dual badges of safety and security the omnipresent shirt-sleeved arm of the law appear rather benign as they drive around in their white-and-green-painted Hondas. Despite their unthreatening exterior, students seem to find their presence an adequate deterrent.

According to Head of Security Larry Hoffman, “the job of security officers at Sarah Lawrence College is a multifaceted one. Security officers serve and protect the college community. They keep order on campus and decrease the risk of people getting injured or sick by enforcing college rules, as well as city, state and federal laws.”

When asked about the quality of security on campus, Hoffman responded, “in my seven years at the college, I can tell you that I am proud of the way officers have responded to various kinds of incidents they have handled and the impact officers have had on the college community. They brought back to life a drug-involved student by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the individual. Officers have found and given first aid to intoxicated students whose alcohol levels were so high that they could have died if not taken to the hospital. They have gone into smoke filled rooms and extinguished fires before they have gotten out of control. Officers have risked their own lives by deterring and detaining dangerous outsiders who have come onto or near the campus. Finally, they have saved the lives of students who were intent on hurting themselves.”

Security appears to be focused on avoiding the pernicious affects of drinking and not necessarily alcohol consumption itself. Hoffman said, “In my mind, it is the safety of the students, faculty, staff and visitors that takes precedence over everything we do.” An Residential Advisor who wished to remain anonymous said, “We are instructed to tell the kids to call security in any emergency, we are told to stress ‘the good Samaritan policy’.” The same RA went on to point out that “there is an unfortunate stigma around security that prevents students from feeling safe calling security when the situation calls for it,” particularly in the case of excessive drinking that can lead to medical emergency.

The language of this policy is vague. “If a student has violated the College Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy… but also seeks help for another student who is intoxicated or under the influence of another drug, this later act will be considered in the sanctioning process.”

Counter to fears of harsh disciplinary action, sophomore Daniel Layon said about having his party broken up, “I was hardly an Andrew Myer [the Florida University student tasered by police following his hardly aggressive behavior at a John Kerry Town Hall].” He went on to say “security was professional in the way they conducted themselves… their primary goal was to deal with the noise complaint and not to ‘bust’ people.”

In dorms like Hill House where actual tenants live this is a legitimate concern, just as excessive alcohol use is. According to Hoffman, “Overall, students seemed to be sympathetic towards the task of security and to these points. On the other hand, I can see how we have at times upset the very small percentage of students who continuously engage in risk-taking behaviors. Breaking up unregistered parties and issuing tickets to students are probably among the most unpopular things we do.” Students seem to approve of the balance maintained by security. Another anonymous senior put it more succinctly: “They’re doing their job.”