School of Journalism experiences security problems
Journalism students received an e-mail Friday from the Associate Dean for the undergraduate Studies of the School of Journalism saying there were serious security problems in the journalism buildings.
In the e-mail, Brian Brooks said propping exterior doors to the school's complex is illegal and can lead to charges for illegal entry. The e-mail also said custodians had found people sleeping or working when they arrived early in the morning, which is prohibited behavior. He said the MU Police Department would begin patrolling the complex to ensure immediate compliance.
Later on Friday, Brooks sent out a second e-mail clarifying the first.
“It has come to my attention that absolutely nobody understands the almost-two-year-old policy about access to Journalism buildings,” Brooks said in the e-mail.
Students with legitimate needs to access the buildings after-hours can get special permission from Brooks’ assistant and have their student ID cards activated at the Conley Avenue Garage, the e-mail said.
“It has come to my attention that instructors have not informed students of this necessary procedure, which has been in effect since the new building open,” Brooks said in the e-mail.
MU Police Capt. Brian Weimer said because of problems with homeless people entering buildings and doors being propped open, his department was asked to have more officers in that area when available.
“We’ve been made aware that there are some problems in that building and asked to spend more time in that area,” Weimer said. “It’s not something that’s uncommon on campus.”
Brooks cited safety concerns as the reason behind this policy. He said it was not the policy’s objective to restrict student access to the building, but to increase security.