From the early hours of the morning until late afternoon, security can be found patrolling every edge of the campus for risks to student and building safety.

As the increase in campus security continues to evolve in the 21st century following the tragedies of Columbine, West Virginia, and Sandy Hook, Perry finds new ways to strengthen safety its for students and teachers. While these new techniques are strictly for safety, many are superfluous and overbearing.

During the school day, many of the gates are closed to keep strangers out and keep students in. Not only do closed gates create a nuisance for travelers during the all-too-short passing period, but are they really necessary?

There are nine security guards on campus, and every gate could be covered and there would still be enough security guards on golf carts to assess a potential risk, should they be actively scrutinizing the campus.

During the last fire drill, the gates for the C- and D-buildings were locked, creating a huddled mess of hundreds of students trying to evacuate. Security’s ability to unlock the gates quickly during an emergency is not guaranteed, but it should be more of an emphasis.

Also, in the student parking lot, two of the three exit gates are closed until the end of sixth hour, causing leaving seniors a headache of traffic and waiting. Security already guards the gates that one must physically enter to actually be on campus so closing the parking lot entrances really is not an efficient or relevant idea.

While the nine members of PHS security do their jobs as they are instructed, the precautions that security take are unnecessary and slightly aggravating for a high school campus.