Undergrads still feel safe, despite recent incidents

In the wake of two recent shootings, students say they still feel safe on campus but think more precautions can be taken.

Engineering sophomore Mari Oishi was shot in the thigh at 38th and Sansom streets on her way home. Oishi was not gravely injured and was released from the hospital later that day. She is currently recovering in her home on campus.

This shooting came less than a month after a killing at the Philly Diner at 39th and Walnut streets.

A number of students said they viewed the most recent shooting as an isolated incident but still expect more security from the Division of Public Safety.

"While it's an unfortunate event, it's not the norm," said College sophomore Scott Kahn, who witnessed the shooting from his apartment at 38th and Walnut streets. "Students need to keep in mind that it is an urban area."

In response to the fall's spike in campus crime, public safety officials have worked to put more police officers on the streets, which many students said they have noticed.

But College senior Ben Linowitz, who lives west of 40th Street and walks home alone frequently, does not think that security has improved in recent months.

"The Penn security guys seem to have a presence. However, it doesn't seem to be very effective," he said.

Other students are satisfied with the current police presence on campus.

"I think they are really making an effort. They obviously can't stop all crime, but there has definitely been a noticeable beefing-up of security," College junior Susan McIlvaine said.

"I think they've done a really good job lately. ... The campus is really well lit. There are [Penn police] on foot and on bikes and in cars," she added.

Some students have experienced the improvements firsthand. College senior Jessica Lahrmann said she was recently stopped by a bike officer while walking down a dark path behind Huntsman Hall late at night. He advised her that walking in that area alone was not a good idea.

College sophomore Hernan Garcia agreed with McIlvaine.

"You can have constant police everywhere, but an event like [last weekend's shooting] just happens" sometimes, Garcia said.

Members of Operation Town Watch Integrated Services -- an organization dedicated to preventing crime in the area -- said they think awareness is the key to preventing future tragedy.

Last night, the group handed out flyers urging more crime awareness among students following the shooting.

"Everyone has to take Penn as a family and say, 'We have to help Penn's campus right now. They have a problem: A student got grazed by a bullet, and we don't want that to happen to another student there at Penn,'" Philadelphia resident C.B. Kimmons, a member of the organization, said.

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