Security protocol in and around the LXR/Nevils complex is evolving again in the constant struggle to protect the school’s residences from the persistent threat of crime.
Last Thursday, contract security guards from Securitas began patrolling both the LXR inner courtyard and the streets surrounding the East Campus residence halls, according to University Vice President for Safety David Morrell. The Citizen’s Association of Georgetown also employs Securitas guards to patrol other areas of the community.
This measure is part of a new security initiative for the residence area, which also includes an increased DPS presence and DPS patrols that began two weeks ago to ensure students in the complex are locking their doors. Officers who find unlocked apartments lock them and leave a note reminding residents of the need to secure their belongings.
“There are no punishments for students leaving their doors unlocked,” East Campus Hall Director Desiree Stephens said. “It is purely a proactive measure to ensure students are being educated about the risks they run when their doors are unlocked.”
The new procedures are a continuation of increased security measures that began last year with a student guard desk being placed at the Walsh entrance to Nevils. This year, access points from N Street were sealed off, and new access procedures were instituted mandating that non-residents be signed in after 10 p.m. and requiring students to swipe in 24 hours a day.
“I have witnessed on more than one occasion, students and other unauthorized personnel actually be physically denied from entering the building as a result of improper identification,” Stephens said.
Morrell said the East Campus is especially problematic because it is so far from the campus center. “Because the area is technically considered off campus, we need to pay special attention to it,” Morrell said. “It is more readily accessible to non-community individuals. The high level of student traffic at night makes it an attractive place for crime of opportunity.”
Morrell emphasized much of the responsibility for safety and security rests with students themselves, including locking their doors and reporting suspicious activity to DPS. “Students need to carry their end of the bargain,” he said.
Morrell also suggested that students carry as little cash as possible. “Last year, students were getting robbed with $300 in cash on them,” he said. “That tempts criminals to return.”
Additional reporting by Austin Richardson
