ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University is implementing new safety procedures following shots being fired at an on-campus apartment complex and weeks after another shooting.
SC State President Alexander Conyers made the announcement Monday afternoon over a day after the most recent incident.
“The welfare of the campus community is our foremost priority at SC State,” Conyers said in a statement. "We have devoted considerable resources to both physical enhancements to the campus and additional personnel."
On Saturday night, the school said shots were fired at the Hugine Suites student apartment complex. No one was injured, but the school had to be locked down for several hours.
This comes less than three weeks after a student was shot at the same complex. The student's injuries were said to be non life-threatening.
Conyers said the following protocols will be in place:
- A “no non-student” visitation policy after 9 p.m. until further assessment.
- An increase in announced and unannounced health and safety checks throughout campus housing.
- The employment of six armed guards certified by the State Law Enforcement Division to staff campus entry gates and high-risk locations to assist Campus Police officers during night patrols.
- A 24-hour monitoring center to display activity on campus security cameras.
- Additional lighting and fencing behind Hugine Suites and across campus.
The school also plans to do the following:
- Expedite the opening of the Joint Community Policing Station at Goff and Buckley Streets.
- Expedite judiciary processes for students who violate campus security and housing policies.
- Continue enforcing a 10 p.m. noise curfew and vehicle decal checks at entrances.
- Continue enforcing a university policy regarding unauthorized parties and visitors.
The Campus Police Department is available to respond to emergencies at 803-378-4754. Those in need of assistance may also dial 911.