TC Ups Security, Adds Card Readers

More than a month after a pair of hate crimes shook Teachers College, the school has installed a new ID reader to secure campus buildings.

The ID reader, installed on Sunday as part of the University-wide ID conversion, displays the name and photo of the holder on a monitored screen. Though the change was in the works long before the hate crimes, some students feel this extra measure will be helpful in re-establishing a sense of security on campus.

Students said they were relieved about the increased security. “Before, anyone could hold up an ID that looked like a Teachers College ID and get in unnoticed,” Elizabeth Sullivan, TC, said.

The new reader serves a double purpose, according to security guard Wagner Blackshaw. Since it can read the ID through a case or a wallet, the student does not have to take out the card, reducing the risk of losing it. Additionally, the reader is also a heightened security measure. With a large photo of the ID-holder right on the security guard’s screen, the reader makes it easier to verify the cardholder’s identity.

“It’s better now because the image on the screen always stays fresh while the picture on the card can erode,” Blackshaw said.

Some students said they are unhappy with the extra effort of placing their IDs on a scanner. Previously, students simply flashed their IDs to gain entry to TC buildings. “It’s a nuisance, and I feel like I’m always being tracked,” said a TC student who asked to remain anonymous.

Others, like TC student Kimberly Simon, said they think the changes are “very cool and definitely effective if security guards are paying attention.”

While one reader has been installed at the main entrance, other entrances lack the same degree of security. For instance, the door on the 121st Street side of Teachers College has switched to the new reader system but does not have a guard present.

“Anyone could walk in after you at that back door,” Marielle Cavarretta, TC, said.

Along with new security measures, “there’s definitely a heightened sense of awareness,” said a security guard at Teachers College who declined to be identified. He said that after the recent hate crimes, guards are paying more attention to the people entering the building and are keeping a closer eye on surveillance cameras. “We try to be present and visible on each floor to deter people from acting maliciously,” he said.

Some students are still concerned that the administration is not responding effectively to the hate crimes. “There are a lot of things the administration should be doing to foster a sense of community and belonging,” Mariah Doren, TC, said. “I wouldn’t blame security for the hate crimes. We need to do something to get rid of intolerance and ignorance.”

In a related development, Columbia University Public Safety recently released its annual report detailing information on crime statistics for 2006.

The report—mandated by law—details everything from murder to motor-vehicle theft. On campus, the report demonstrates an increase from 11 to 61 instances (an 82 percent increase) in “discipline for alcohol” and an increase from 6 to 30 instances (70 percent increase) in “discipline for drugs.” In addition, Columbia’s figures put aggravated assaults and robberies up by 44 percent.

The report does not include crimes that may have occurred at institutions affiliated with Columbia, like TC. Robberies, burglaries, and discipline for alcohol and drugs have been the most significant increases.

Zeynep Memecan can be reached at news@columbiaspectator.com.