Mercyhurst Police and Safety officers will begin carrying firearms on Mar. 2.

The decision to arm officers comes as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the physical safety of the Mercyhurst campus. The decision also comes in the wake of such security violations as the suicide which occurred in Sept. 2013, where a man shot himself in front of Old Main.

Laura Zirkle, vice president of Student Life, sent out a message to the student body, informing them of this upcoming event. The Merciad will be updating students on this story as more information becomes available.