By Emily Senger
From responding to theft to dealing with public porn viewers, campus security had a full plate this summer.
Thirty-six officers under the leadership of campus security director Lanny Fritz responded to over 350 incidents between May and August. Fritz, a 16-year Campus Security veteran, said that although the summer brought few students, campus remained an eventful place.
“This summer was a little unique. We had the major flood in Calgary and High River areas,” Fritz said, “which resulted in the university managing many of the evacuees living in our residence buildings for a period of time. That was something new and unique and something the university is very proud of.”
Fritz beamed as he spoke about Campus Security’s part in the flood relief efforts.
“It was great to be able to contribute that level of participation in a serious situation.”
But some incidents didn’t inspire as much pride.
In May, officers came across an individual watching pornography in a Science Theatres classroom. Feeling sheepish, the young debaucher was escorted off campus.
This was not the only time Science Theatres was the scene of some objectionable behaviour.
In a crude display, an aspiring artist covered several desks and walls with drawings of penises. The spirited vandal used lipstick for the phallic drawings.
Besides avoiding the insane, Fritz warns students about the university’s principal hazard: theft.
“Our biggest crime problem on campus continues to be theft,” Fritz said. “Normally we will lose a couple hundred thousand dollars a year to theft. Half of that will belong to students.”
This summer, one student took a nap in MacHall and woke up to find all his belongings, including his laptop, missing.
“This is a classic example,” Fritz said. “What is really unfortunate and debilitating to some students is their work isn’t backed up. Their whole life as a student may be on that laptop.”
He said that would-be-thieves consider the university a target-rich environment and will not hesitate to take advantage.
“It’s just a matter of being aware and securing your property,” he said.
The university saw 67 incidents of theft over the summer including a stolen bike that was worth over $8,000.
Although Fritz and his team often handle difficult and sometimes strange situations, he said he is happy to do the work.
“I get great enjoyment working with young people. If I’m able to assist, or any of my officers are able to assist young people along the way, that’s where my satisfaction comes in.”