Michigan State University has a strong reputation for pioneering in many research areas. With that in mind, it only makes sense that we continue to venture into new realms in search of better ways to cure, create, and feed. However, with research comes the risk of upsetting those who misinterpret or disagree with the research projects and/or the methods used to create improvement. Our campus has experienced two such incidents, which have resulted in new means of communication and interaction between campus police and researchers.

Our first campus incident happened on February 28, 1992, when a raid was conducted on our mink research facility. A fire was set in the Anthony Hall offices of Dr. Richard Aulerich. Acid was poured over machinery at the mink research farm, and graffiti covered the walls.

The intruders also attempted to free the mink involved in the research. Most of the animals stayed in their cages once the doors were opened; some that did escape lost their lives by vehicles, predators, or the weather. The Animal Liberation Front (ALF) claimed responsibility for both actions, and an extensive investigation concluded with the successful apprehension and prosecution of Rodney Coronado. This incident destroyed decades of research and caused more than $125,000 in damage.

One way our MSU Police department responded to this activity was to cross train our crime scene investigators in HAZMAT (hazardous material) handling. This now allows us to work in a scene with the knowledge of what dangers may be present and how to safely handle them. There were no sweeping university-wide changes in practice as a result of this incident, other than a heightened sense of awareness that the potential for such actions "at home" exists.

On December 31, 1999, activists struck again. This time the offices of the Institute of International Agriculture in Agriculture Hall were the target. ELF (the Earth Liberation Front) claimed responsibility, citing the organization's support of genetic research aimed at crops in developing countries. Damage has been estimated in excess of $400,000. A criminal investigation is still being conducted jointly with our department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This incident prompted a larger scale reaction. Researchers have revamped their personal websites, removing detailed information about the projects they're working on, as well as location information of their laboratories. Others have increased their awareness of the unusual questions or strange e-mail received, and they share that information with us. Our department has created a community police officer position, which focuses on the biotechnical research areas.

There are indications that within the next few years, biotechnology will become an increasingly important field of research conducted by Michigan State. With that in mind, we are working to make our research areas as secure as possible with target hardening analysis of our current locations, as well as planning new security improvements which could be implemented in future sites. The initial task was to create a response manual for our officers and supervisors as to where "activist attractive" research is being conducted, and what type of activity that area might attract (vandalism, nighttime gardening, etc.). The manual will also contain after-hours and on-call contact information, as well as other pertinent information.

We are also planning department-wide training to educate officers about what the biotechnical issues and risks are, and what they should look for that would be out of the ordinary. We also plan to conduct security surveys of labs and research areas to check their current practices and learn what may be improved upon. Interacting with researchers in various capacities has also been discussed as a future possibility. That could include offering lunchtime seminars on how to be more secure in storing data, minimizing their potential for attracting activist activities, how to field unusual questions or visitors, etc.

We are also working on creating a communication chain among Big Ten colleges to share information on activist activities we encounter. This initiative has been met with a lot of positive feedback. Researchers are thrilled to have a central person to communicate with and refer others to, as opposed to the previous practice of filing reports with whichever officer was sent on the call. It will also give our department a better idea of the totality of incidents occurring, and as a result allow us to identify potential patterns at a quicker pace, and to hopefully avoid another major incident similar to those we've already experienced.

We realize nothing will ever guarantee immunity from activists, but we're hoping improved communication among departments and other universities, which may encounter similar challenges, will help at least reduce the risk of future events.