Security Advisory Committee revived

Committee to assess and assist department

The Security Advisory Committee met Thursday, Oct. 3, for the first time in several years.

The committee, composed of about 14, is chaired by Joe DiChristina, acting associate dean of student life.

"It's a big group meeting weekly and really getting a lot done," junior David Heafitz, a member of the committee, said. Members include students, staff and the Oberlin fire and police chiefs.

DiChristina said that right now the committee lacks faculty members, but is trying to attract some.

DiChristina, who served as acting director of Safety and Security last year, said that having a committee to bounce ideas off will help the director of safety and security. "Without the committee you work in isolation," DiChristina said. Keith James, director of Safety and Security, also serves on the committee.

Some issues the committee will discuss throughout the year are the security escort system, the mutual aid agreement - which defines the lines of communication between the Oberlin Police and Safety and Security and on-campus parking.

Heafitz said the top priority right now is the issue of safety escorts. "That's good because it shows [the administration] is listening to student concerns and getting something done."

James said, "I'm impressed with the number of students who showed up and the enthusiasm ... To have all the students show up - I know that can be a miracle sometimes."