The tragic events of September 11 have changed our country and our world in every way possible. Our ideas of freedom and safety were shaken—and we have been forced to review the way in which we travel, work, and live. Never before have the security measures of our country and our city been so scrutinized, and Lincoln Center has been hard at work updating all security concerns in order to better protect its constituents and students.

Speaking with both Estelle Schneider, assistant director of facilities, maintenance, and engineering at Juilliard, and Vince Talamo, director of security for Lincoln Center, I found that they have been updating and revising security measures and plans throughout the Lincoln Center complex. Here at Juilliard, as most have noticed, all students and staff must present lobby security with valid school identification, and any visitors must be signed in by students or staff.

Juilliard has been working closely with Lincoln Center security as well, in order to update measures in the Rose Building, where students are housed and frequent the cafeteria, as well as all of the Lincoln Center campus. "Everyone is very supportive of the security updates, and we are all working together to make it as safe as possible," said Schneider. Soon the Rose Building will have turnstiles intalled, and identification will be mandatory at all times. Patrol coverage has been increased by 144 man-hours per day throughout Lincoln Center, specifically on the Milstein Plaza bridge, around the fountain area, and all sides of the State Theater. Concrete barriers have been placed in front of the fountain to prevent vehicles from behaving recklessly. (They will eventually be replaced by barriers that are more attractive, as well as functional.)

Talamo went on to ensure that they have been working to upgrade all cameras to digital, real-time recording. In addition to the cameras, all the concert halls of Lincoln Center are now utilizing bag checks and sporadic heightening of security. The Lincoln Center parking garage has implemented car inspection, and viewing devices have been added in order to see under vehicles for possible danger.

Mail inspection and review of incoming mail has been strict, and specific protocols have been established by the New York City Board of Health in case of emergency. In addition, Talamo and Lincoln Center have a close relationship with the New York City Police Department, and a steady assignment of N.Y.P.D. officers are on the Lincoln Center campus day and night. "We have always had a relationship with the police department in order to best protect our facilities," Talamo said.

"The safety and security of all members of the Juilliard community are uppermost in our minds today and in the future," commented President Joseph Polisi. "I feel confident that the measures that have been taken by Juilliard, Lincoln Center security staff, and city officials have created an environment that will provide safe and supportive conditions for all of us."

Students and staff alike have had reason to feel secure with the added guards and strict enforcement of access guidelines. "With all that has happened in the world lately, the last thing I want to worry about is my safety while here at school," said one student. And certainly, all any of us can do is try to make it the safest and most peaceful place we can. We have reason to thank the N.Y.P.D., Lincoln Center building management, and Juilliard’s own security staff for the recent renovations and upgrades in security-and for their commitment to our safety.

Morgan Grunerud is an undergraduate voice student of Cynthia Hoffmann.