Gates stay open at Prairie Crossing

Security gates and doors at Prairie Crossing Apartments have been inactive for several months dating back to the beginning of last semester, bringing up questions of student safety.

Gates at the front and back of the complex, which appear to require the use of a code, key card or call box to open, are in actuality unlocked. In addition, the gate at the entrance of the Prairie Crossing parking garage, which is designed to open and close, remains open at all times.

According to University Police Department Crime Information Officer Jason Bone, the decision to leave the gates unlocked was made because the magnetic locks on some of the gates have been damaged, causing them to not work properly. Students were also finding other ways to circumvent the security measures.

"There was an issue there because so many people had taken a stick, poked it through the gate and pushed the button to release the gate," Bone said.

The complex has taken steps to repair gates several times, as recently as two weeks ago. In an e-mail sent on Feb. 2, Hall Director Kathy McGrath advised Prairie Crossing residents the back gate had been repaired but "it broke somehow between
yesterday and today." She also advised students to keep the door closed so "we aren't advertising to everyone that anyone can get in that gate."

According to Bone, working or not, the gates do not completely deny access.

"The thing about the gates is even when they work they're still a false sense of security because you can still get into the facility through the parking garage since there's no gate when you get up to the upper levels," Bone said. "There used to be a master gate [in the parking garage] where you pushed a button and the thing would open up. Now the gate's always open, because it too is busted."

Students, however, are generally unconcerned about the gates. In fact, according to residents, the relaxation of security policies have made entering and exiting the complex much more convenient.

"I haven't heard anyone complain about it," freshman political science major Breanna Irvin said. "I'm happy I haven't had to wait on the gate."

In addition, regardless of the level of protection, students can create their own security breaches, even if only to be courteous.

BREAK!!!!"People will hold open gates for other people just to be nice," Irvin said. "If people want to get in to a place, they will find a way to do it. So you can up security and people will still get in."

According to Bone, the priority at Prairie Crossing is to repair some structural issues with the complex before the gates are addressed. Calls and emails to the Department of Residential Living and Learning regarding the issue were not returned.

Though the gates have been inactive for several months, no serious crimes have been reported on the property. Most residents are unconcerned for their safety in their apartments, though many still take precautions.

"I'm not ever worried, I've always felt comfortable living here," Irvin said. "But I keep my door locked."