By adding new safety measures in some libraries and maintaining police patrols around other campus areas, University officials continue to tighten security in the wake of the recent string of assaults.
A Duke University Police Department officer has begun night patrols in the Perkins Library system, including the main branch, Lilly Library and Vesic Engineering Library. Beginning in the early evening and through midnight, the police presence is intended to deter crime and reassure students and staff.
In addition, police and library officials will be conducting a survey of the libraries over the next several weeks to determine further short-term solutions.
For example, authorities may remove locks from Lilly Library bathrooms, a feature police say could trap people in the bathrooms with an attacker. Library officials are also considering adding call buttons, emergency telephones and lights that always stay on; the near-assault in Perkins occurred after someone turned off the lights while a student was in the bathroom.
"When [the police] complete the survey, there will be specific recommendations on improving security in the libraries, which we will then pursue," said Tom Wall, Perkins director of public services. "Are there places we need to install emergency call buttons in the library or something equivalent to that? We'll be looking at lighting--are there areas that need to have increased lighting?"
Wall said library officials are leaning against adding security cameras and requiring DukeCards for library access, but that any decision will wait for the police survey. He added that the recent attacks have prompted library officials to take safety concerns more into account in planning the Perkins Library addition, which is still in the design stage.
Police officials said there are still no suspects in any of the recent reported attacks, including a Jan. 30 sexual assault in an East Campus dormitory bathroom, a Feb. 2 mugging in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and a Feb. 4 attempted assault in a Perkins bathroom.
"We don't have any suspects right now," said Lt. Sara-Jane Raines, a campus police spokesperson. "We're continuing to vigorously investigate the cases."
Five investigators are working on the sexual assault case, Raines said. She requested that students and staff report anyone on campus whom they deem suspicious.
"Especially with all the extra officers on campus, our response time will be really quick if they see somebody suspicious," Raines said.
The changes at the libraries are just some of the measures police have taken in response to the attacks. They continue to offer a $5,000 award for information leading to an arrest in the sexual assault case. Police have also organized a team of officers to patrol residences, parking lots and other areas more regularly.
"Having a security guard walking around just makes you feel more comfortable," said sophomore Alex Niejelow, a Duke Student Government legislator involved in safety discussions with administrators. "If you can't feel safe in the library when you're studying, where can you feel safe?"
Niejelow and other DSG officials, as well as police and Student Affairs administrators, said they continue to consider long-term strategies for campus safety.
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