After a University of Oklahoma student committed suicide outside the Oklahoma-Kansas State football game last Saturday in Norman, Okla., the possibility of a similar incident at Iowa State has sparked concern from public safety and mental health professionals.

The U of O student, identified as 21-year-old Joel Hinrichs, detonated an explosive device outside Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, killing himself but injuring no one else.

The ISU Police Department is going over procedures in case a similar incident occurs at an ISU football game.

“Of course, there’s fear of a copycat incident,” said Robert Bowers, program manager for the department of public safety. “[ISU Athletic Department] has a detailed emergency operations plan.”

ISU Police does not think a copycat suicide is likely, however.

“So far, there are 100 or so football games on a Saturday afternoon,” Bowers said. “This has happened only once in the history of college football.”

Marty Martinez, staff psychologist for Student Counseling Services, said suicide is not common at Iowa State.

“There’s more attempts than successes,” Martinez said. “Fortunately, the numbers are low, but of course, every number is sad.”

When there is a home football game at Iowa State, around 60 officers from ISU Police, Ames Police, Story County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol assist in security measures to ensure the safety of spectators, Bowers said.

“We screen people at the gates. Officers are assigned to the gates to watch people coming in and there are officers throughout the stadium,” Bowers said.

Ushers, ticket-takers and the parking division also work with the officers on security procedures, he said.

“It’s not just police officers at the game,” he said.

It is often difficult to realize someone is considering committing suicide – often the only sign of suicidal thoughts is that the person is feeling unusually sad or upset, Martinez said.

According to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Web site, common warning signs of suicide include talking about suicide, giving away possessions and loss of interest in things the person normally cares about.

If someone notices a friend is showing warning signs of suicide, the most important thing is to be there for them, Martinez said.

“Talk to the person and listen – that’s the most important thing,” he said. “People think, ‘If I talk about it, then they’ll think about it.’ That’s not true.”

Willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend who may be considering taking his or her life can be the first step in prevention, according to the SAVE Web site.

It is also important to connect the person with resources such as the Student Counseling Service as soon as possible, Martinez said.

“Counseling service is there to help when you’re deeply depressed or if you’re kind of feeling down,” he said.

ISU Police has been in contact with the Big 12 and other organizations to discuss suicide prevention and emergency protocol.

“We’re in discussion with our law enforcement colleagues in Iowa,” Bowers said.

ISU Police will continue doing routine searches as spectators arrive at Jack Trice Stadium, he said.

“Prior to this, we were checking bags at the door – we will continue doing that,” Bowers said. “We encourage people not to bring bags with them unless it is absolutely necessary.”

Students who are feeling depressed are urged to contact the Student Counseling Service at 294-5056 or go to the student counseling office on the third floor of the Student Services Building.