The tragic shooting and killings Monday on the Virginia Tech University campus are sure to cause officials at most all American colleges and universities to give added attention to their own campus security systems, as well as to how they would respond if a similar situation occurred at their schools.

In addition to colleges and universities, school administrators at all levels probably are reviewing their security programs, whether it’s at a K-12 school, community college or any other type of teaching center.

Frankly, only so much can be done, but that is no excuse for not examining every possible weakness that might give a deranged individual the opening to commit a violent crime.

All those in the law enforcement business want to do whatever they can to be of help in the post-Virginia Tech period, and, in most every instance, in every city, the police chief, sheriff, school security personnel and university police officials point to measures, such as television monitors or 24-hour patrols, in use at their respective sites to try to curb or lessen the chances of violence.

Here in Lawrence, the individual who should be sought out for advice is Lawrence Police Chief Ron Olin, a highly trained professional in the field of terrorism. Olin is a valuable asset for the community, both on and off the Kansas University campus. Olin is recognized by national law enforcement agencies for his skills and knowledge, and those charged with providing security for their schools and campuses should take advantage of his expertise.

There is no room for complacency in believing Lawrence, Kansas, is a secure, safe island in which residents have no need to worry about their safety.

Those days are long gone!