PirateAlert messages on crime are welcome warnings

The Department of Public Safety is to be applauded for their recent decision to notify students of crime incidents via PirateAlert's text message and automated phone call system.

After the tragic shooting that claimed the life of sophomore Jessica Moore last fall, The Setonian had called upon the University to inform students of any and all crime and safety threats as soon as possible.

We are glad Public Safety and the South Orange Police Department will be working together to disseminate information regarding future incidents to the Seton Hall community in as timely of a manner as possible. We are especially pleased to hear that Pat Linfante, director of Public Safety and Security, is committed to get information regarding incidents of crime out to the community within an hour of Public Safety being notified of the incident.

While it was nice that we would receive crime notices the day after the incidents occurred, The Setonian finds it much more beneficial to inform the community as soon as possible, this way students and other members of the community might work to secure their safety while out and about South Orange.

To that cause, we strongly encourage students to make sure they are registered with the PirateAlert system. If you are not, please check next week's news section, where The Setonian will provide instructions on how to sign up for PirateAlert or edit your current contact information.

The safety and security of students and the campus community should be a priority of the University and we are thankful that Linfante and Public Safety and Security are doing all they can to help us stay safe in South Orange.