Playing it Safe

Following a recent theft attempt at Potluck House, a special-interest community located at 606 W. 114th St., students have brought to light a number of concerns about security in brownstone residences. While some updates to the buildings' security systems should be made, many of the security concerns can be alleviated simply by reminding students to lock their doors.

As special-interest residences, the 17 brownstones fall into a unique category of the Department of Public Safety's jurisdiction. Unlike other dormitories, brownstones are largely managed by residents independently of Housing and Dining. The buildings do not have security guards on duty, partly because residents fear their presence will dampen the atmosphere, and partly because the buildings' small size prohibits the placement of additional guards in every house. Instead, human security guards are generally replaced by technology. Most building entrances feature security cameras, and Public Safety patrols 112th to 114th streets nightly. The administration plans to add swipe access to four brownstones this winter, and to the remaining brownstones in the future. While this security is significant, it does fall below the standards of other dormitories. Many brownstone residents are pushing for additional measures, such as the installation of double doors and increased Public Safety presence.

While students are right to be worried, safety could improve immediately if residents were more aware of their surroundings and the value of keeping their buildings locked whenever possible. It bears noting that there has never been an incident involving forced entry of unwanted individuals into the brownstones. Incidents have only occurred when doors were left unlocked or inadvertently opened for intruders. The individual who attempted to steal laptops and iPods from Potluck House had the door opened for him by students. Fraternity parties in some brownstones and community dinners at Potluck House make safety difficult, but increased awareness can go a long way. This message should be reinforced by a more rapid installation of swipe-card readers to all of the buildings. Nonetheless, preliminary improvements can be implemented by brownstone residents.

Despite their independence, the brownstones remain student residences and should have the same level of safety as other dormitories. While measures like the installation of security guards in each building may be infeasible, swipe access and student awareness will go a long way toward improving security. The incident at Potluck House should show the administration that swipe access is imperative and remind brownstone dwellers to keep their eyes and ears open.