Launching new safety measures for rez

Sexual assaults at some Ontario universities this September have catapulted residence security into the spotlight across the country. The sexual assaults at York University took place after a pair of intruders gained access to a secure building and then entered unlocked dorm rooms.

News of the assaults resonated on Dalhousie’s campus. A sign reading “Stop Tailgaters” is posted prominently in Shirreff Hall, one of the university’s largest traditional residences. The posters refer to the opportunistic people who slide through a door just before it closes, usually on the heels of a resident who has access.

It’s part of an education program that aims to make students more vigilant and less accommodating.

“We’ll be reinforcing safety once again with our regular floor meetings in all the residences. It’s education and awareness — don’t be complacent about security,” says Heather Sutherland, Director of Housing, Conferences and Ancillary Services.

In addition to the new “Stop Tailgaters” campaign, a variety of security measures are in place for Dalhousie’s residences.

“We really strive to get to know the students who live in the residences,” says Bruce Caddell, Manager of Ancillary Systems. “That’s absolutely key, having the personal relationships.”

One of the best security measures is also one of the least ‘high tech’ — creating a supportive community of familiar faces. “Don’t take anything for granted. Look after each other, look after your buddy,” says Ms. Sutherland.

Tiger Patrol To arrange a safe walk or drive around Dalhousie’s campus,call Security at 494-6400 and the Tiger Patrol will meet you.

The most significant change this fall is the introduction of a system of radio communication. Piloted in Howe Hall last year, it’s expanding to all traditional residences. In Howe, the commissionaire on duty at the main entrance has a private radio channel directly to the Security Office. In addition, the commissionaire has a radio link with residence assistants — or “RAs” — at secondary entrances.

On busy evenings, two commissionaires are routinely on duty in the buildings. “We have our major buildings staffed 24 hours a day. Even in the smaller residences, there’s an overnight shift and RAs regularly do tours,” says Ms. Sutherland.

In addition, there are useful technologies that come into play, including surveillance cameras and a pass card system. When a DalCard is swiped, a commissionaire is able to call up a database that compares a photo of the residence student with the individual using the card. This prevents the misuse of lost cards, or cards that are loaned.

In fact, security challenges are monitored year-round with a view to making improvements. The Residential Security Committee meets on an ongoing basis to identify issues, with the intention of finding technological and operational solutions. “We’re doing everything we can to be proactive in this way,” says Mr. Caddell.

“I’ve just arrived on campus but so far, I feel safe,” says Manal Latif, a first-year student who lives in Shirreff Hall.

Students say...

	“I live off campus, but I feel safe here. I’m at the library late at night, sometimes ... of course, you always think about things that could happen in the back of your mind, but I don’t feel there’s anything to be scared of here.” — first-year student Sarah Khalife
	“You figure nothing is going to happen to you, but you always wonder. The other night, I walked from SMU to the Dal campus at one in the morning. I feel safe living in residence for sure. I live in Newcombe. Nothing’s ever going to happen to you in Newcombe.” — first-year student Emilie Labrie
	“I came here from Carleton, and what happened there freaked me out. There are several things that are put in place on Dalhousie campus that are good, like the police presence and the walk-home service. Safety at night can be a worry, so you always take extra precautions, but in general, I feel safe.” — PhD student Julie Crabb
	“I know that Gerrard Hall is locked down 24/7, which is good. I know it’s not just in the night that creepy people can come around. I’ve heard good things about security staff on campus being great at keeping any creepy people out. I think the Tiger Patrol is also a great idea, although I’ve never used it personally. Security can be an issue for guys as well as girls — one of my friends just got mugged downtown by a bunch of teenagers. It’s easy to see how something like that can happen when you’re outnumbered.” — second-year student Mason Connell