One week since Florida State shooting – how local university campus law enforcement keeps students safe
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – It's been nearly one week since a suspect shot and killed two people and injured six others at Florida State University.
Local campus police share how they are working to ensure safety for students and staff.
The fear of hearing a gunshot while being on campus may leave a student to wonder about their safety– maybe thinking they can take security into their own hands. But here at Augusta University, campus law enforcement work to make sure that isn't a thought that has to cross your mind.
'We patrol, actively patrol our campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week…' Augusta University Police Department Capt. Harry Smith said.
But when incidents like the Florida State University shooting takes place, it makes both staff, and students a bit more apprehensive.
'I try to keep that, um, how do you say– paranoid or scary thoughts– despite the news, because it's everywhere in the news– to what we're seeing and what's happening all around America right now…' Augusta University Senior Mia Dickens said.
Under Georgia State law, students and staff are allowed to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses through the 'Campus Carry Law.'
'That meant that people could carry on campus without a license concealed, it has to be concealed, but here's the other thing, there are a lot of exceptions to that law,' Capt. Smith said.
Exceptions Capt. Harry Smith says you should know if you carry.
'For instance, you can't carry it into a residence hall, you can't carry it at a sporting event, you can't have it be in an office of a faculty member, you can't carry in a place that has any childcare or if there's a co-enrolled high school student in the classroom…'
Students like Mia Dickens, tell me she's grateful for the resource's campus police provides like the blue emergency poles around campus and even self-defense courses offered to women.
'I am so thankful for all that AUPD does for us. I've never had an instance where they haven't pulled through every time– whether that's me locking my keys in my car, which I'm notoriously known for doing. They come as fast as they can, so it doesn't– I don't doubt the fact that these apps or these resources are very helpful, and I trust it 100%.'
You can download the free app 'Rave Guardian' which will allow you to call 911, schedule a timed virtual escort, text campus police and more.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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