Letters: Finding fault in Hofstra shooting
Hofstra University students mourn Andrea Rebello during a vigil held at the Hempstead school. (May 18, 2013) Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
As a retired New York State parole officer, I have to shake my head when I read criticisms of repeat offenders being out on the street and government not doing its job ["Praised by parole panel," News, May 23].
What do you expect, that every sentence is for life? My caseloads were full of repeat offenders. In fact, it was rare to have someone on parole without a record.
I'm very saddened by the killing of this young woman near Hofstra University, but the answer is not to keep felons locked away forever.
Charlotte Herdman, Flushing
As a Hofstra law student, I find it frightening that a crime would occur across the street from the school. But, even more jarring is the activity of Hofstra security.
At the front of the parking lot, less than a block away from where the home invasion happened, there is a security box that is supposed to house a guard. I have seen a guard there a grand total of three times: the first day of each semester I have attended the school, and during the presidential debate. On every other occasion, the box has been empty.
The only time I have seen a Hofstra security guard is when he or she is writing a parking ticket.
Having a guard in the security box would act as a deterrent for a criminal to walk onto the campus.
I urge Hofstra to get its act together regarding security. If not, I may have to continue doing what I did on Sunday: walk a nervous classmate to her car.
Jonathan Heller, Cedarhurst
