SDSU Campus Threat

A killing spree threat that targeted San Diego State University is
dubbed a hoax by the FBI and campus police. Investigators say they have
the person responsible in custody. But many students feel the hoax
exposed weaknesses in the University's emergency notification system.

The
students were notified of the hoax by email, but many students say they
don't check their e-mail regularly and often don't have access to it if
they are in class. They say if the threat were real they wouldn't know
what to do.

"If you are not alerted right away you could be in trouble," says Freshman Natasha Paul.

The
University's spokesman admits like many other University's around the
country they are evaluating their notification system. He says in
addition to the e-mail alerts students can find information on their
web site, the main campus sign, and their 866 hotline.

One of the things they are looking to add is a PA system so students on campus can be notified of an emergency right away.

"Public
safety is our number one priority. We're not going to let money stop us
from implementing a system we think is necessary," says SDSU's
spokesperson Jack Beresford.

The Lieutenant Governor now wants
to put a reverse 911 system at all of California's University campuses.
That way students would be alerted by a text message if there is an
emergency. Students say that type of system would buy them some peace
of mind.

"Everyone always has their cell phone on them, no
matter what. So everyone would get it right away," says Freshman
Brittany Lough.

State Senators are expected to take up the proposal next m