With expenses for campus security taking up larger portions of Miami University's ever tightening budget, a new office in the United States Justice Department could help universities around the nation defray those costs.

The House of Representatives passed legislation last week to create a National Center for Campus Public Safety, which the Associated Press reports would issue grants for campus safety agencies to prepare for and prevent events of campus violence like those at Virginia Technical and Northern Illinois Universities. President David Hodge said in a US News and World Report article published Jan. 15 that these events created an expectation for more investment in campus security.

"After the Virginia Tech incident, every college re-evaluated their expectations on what to do and how to prepare for such an event," Hodge said.

According to Miami's 2009 operating budget, the total cost of the Oxford Campus' University Police force is $3,396,756, compared with the 2007-08 fiscal year's cost of $3,165,128.

Miami University Police (MUPD) Chief John McCandless said this increase is responsible for financing the current MUPD staff, which is comprised of 29 sworn police officers commissioned by the state of Ohio, six communication specialists and five civilian support staff.

Although the MUPD added a few officers this year, McCandless said the police force has seriously stepped up its communications department, including managing campus crime alerts and the emergency text message system.

McCandless said although Miami offers several security methods to students, the simple security methods are most significant for students.

He named the Harco system that requires an I.D. swipe at the entrance of every residence hall as an example. 

"The Harco system is invaluable. It is really wonderful," McCandless said. "Students should also focus on the old fashioned lock."

Jerry Olson, director of residence life, said many students might not be familiar or aware of the security measures that exist on campus.

"We have police liaisons and evening officers who have assigned locations," Olson said.

Although Miami is not in any apparent danger, Hodge said he is willing to forfeit any expense to assure the safety of students.

"An event like Virginia Tech could occur anywhere. All of us are vulnerable," Hodge said. "Thankfully the Miami police are trained thoroughly for cases like Virginia Tech."

Hodge also explained there are simple preventative measures students should take to ensure personal safety.

"The issue of alcohol is a personal and a collective responsibility," Hodge said. "Students should be aware of the safety of their friends."

Miami sophomore Jen Tannous said safety is not her utmost concern, yet still remains an issue.

"I usually feel safe walking alone at night with all the policemen patrolling around," Tannous said. "I definitely feel more secure when I am walking with friends."

In response to whether financing these security methods is worth the increasing tuition Tannous said that her safety is priceless.

"I would pay more to ensure that I was safe," Tannous said. "Just knowing that the resources are available make me feel more protected."

McCandless, Olson and Hodge reiterated how crucial it is to lock doors and all said numerous break-ins could have been avoided by doing so.

Although extensive efforts have already taken effect to provide safety to all students, the issue of security remains significant and a continuous priority to President Hodge.

"We are constantly assessing and reassessing our safety," Hodge said. "It never stops being a concern."