Bryan Jones

Contributing Writer

In response to gunshots being fired near ESU’s Zimbar gym in the early hours of Oct. 27, the campus’ university police have adjusted security across the university. Interim Chief of Police Ralph Elick provided on updates on current safety protocols taken to address the concerns of students and the community. 

Individuals who were connected to the initial incident were detained after a radio broadcast alerted responding officers to the occurrence, who then found reasonable suspicion to hold the individuals.  

Elick confirmed that the investigation is still in progress. Though he did refrain from discussing specific details.

“This is an active investigation, so I can’t speak to the specifics, but I can ensure the campus community that University Police is making progress on the investigation,” he stated. 

Due to the incident, University Police have temporarily increased safety precautions throughout campus to restore a sense of security among the community. 

“We’re including additional law enforcement presence during evenings and weekends, increasing our video surveillance, modifying visitation and guest procedures and implementing measures to restrict access to certain campus spaces and events for non-students,” Elick explained. “We want to restore a sense of safety and comfort to all who are part of our community.” 

The interim chief also mentioned safety protocols currently in place at Zimbar Gym and other campus areas, specifically focusing upon the surveillance network used for the university’s security.  

“We’re constantly looking at when and where there is a presence of university police and safety and adjusting to those as the needs of the campus shift,” Elick stated. 

In the wake of the incident, University Police and administration have worked together in order to keep the community informed. Updates were shared via email, police officers conducted walkthroughs in residences halls, and talk sessions were made available for students that wanted to discuss the incident.

Additionally, Elick was also set to speak at an upcoming Student Government Association meeting on Nov. 7 to address additional concerns, while also discussing future security plans. 

Nick Russo, 19, a sports management major from Orange County, N.Y., expressed his thoughts on the state of security.

“I’d like to see some more changes in general,” he said. “I think if we were more connected and our alert system real-time, it would fix a lot of problems before they can arise.”

To address long-term security improvements, University Police are planning to expand the size of the campus police force. While also conducting more regular assessments of campus infrastructure, to identify potential areas of need.

“ESU is currently in the process of hiring more police and security officers,” Elick stated. “We do regular safety walks to assess and address areas where we can add cameras, lighting and blue light phones.” 

Elick emphasized the importance of students, faculty and staff doing their part to remain vigilant and abide by the increased security measures.

“A safe campus environment depends on everyone’s involvement,” he said. “We ask everyone to abide by the temporary measures put in place, be vigilant, and contact police if they witness any type of crime.” 

As the investigation continues to progress, anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact University Police at (570) 422- 3064.