Letters to the Editor

Doing everything

To the Editor:

Yesterday's DP editorial ("There's no 'wrong place'," DP, 1/17/06) incorrectly characterized a comment I made in a conversation with an editor as "the University's response to the shooting at 38th and Walnut."

The actual response was provided to the DP in the form of two statements -- one from Penn's President and one from the Division of Public Safety. Clearly, the Penn student caught in the crossfire was an innocent victim of a random and senseless act of violence and the University is committed to supporting her and her friends during this very difficult ordeal.

Let me reiterate the University's response: The safety of our students has been and continues to be the University's number one priority. We are doing everything possible to keep our community safe.

In recent months we have added patrols to the streets on and near campus and have installed additional security cameras and increased lighting. We also worked with the City to create a special tactical joint Philadelphia-Penn Police Task Force to keep crime in check.

This University administration will remain vigilant about crime and will continue do whatever it takes to keep the Penn campus and its surrounding community safe.

Lori Doyle

The author is a University spokeswoman

More protection

To the Editor:

As a proud parent of a Penn student, I am appalled at and tired of the blather emanating from the administration regarding campus and proximate campus security.

Penn students should not need escorts -- they should feel safe at all times. It has been proven that the major deterrent to assaults and muggings is a visible police presence.

As the largest private employer in Philadelphia, Penn should demand a significantly increased police protection.

If Penn hired an additional 200 uniformed and armed security personnel, paid them $20 per hour, had them work from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for 250 days per year, the additional cost would be $8 million.

But that is a small price to pay in return for security and the apprehension of the thugs that presently prey upon Penn students.

Michael ScharfThe author is the parent of College senior

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.