Collegian Edit

Here is the Collegian edit on dorm security:


After the most deadly shooting in U.S. history Monday at the Virginia Tech campus, universities across the country are considering new security policies.One of the areas in which K-State is looking to improve security is its residence halls.Beginning next semester, students will need to show identification and register at the front desk when entering a residence hall after 9 p.m. In the past, students who lived in the halls could enter the building by scanning their K-State ID cards to unlock the door.The measures taken are necessary. Previously, any guest - or even random people - could follow residents into the building without any sort of security check.It is not a big inconvenience for students, whether they live in the hall or not, to provide proper identification when entering a place in which hundreds of college students live for much of the year. Many universities like KU already have adopted similar policies.In previous semesters, nearly anyone could enter the halls, one way or another. This is potentially harmful to students who do not lock their doors or are up late at night. Hopefully this measure, along with future considerations, will change this.Since thousands of students live in the halls, it would be nearly impossible to keep track of every single resident or guest in the hall. But a measure like the one K-State is instituting will help significantly. And while it might not repel all possible intruders, this will add some much-needed security.


TK: While many students see the announcement of dorm security measures as a response to Va. Tech tragedy, the wheels have been in motion for some time. One area I think K-State overlooks in its security upgrades is the use of cameras at the entrances and lobbies in the dorm. Those cameras could help protect residence hall staff as they enforce after hour security measures.