Sacramento State dorm residents question dorm security after the recent armed robbery in Jenkins Hall.

With the event fresh in the consciousness of residents, questioning what will happen next in response to the robbery lingers.

“Safety and security in the dorms is just like being back at home, but now mom and dad are not there to lock up behind you,” said Director of Housing and Residential Life Cynthia Cockrill.

Cockrill said it is important for dorm residents to be involved in their community by attending housing meetings and looking at fliers that are posted around the Residence Halls.

Residence safety heavily relies upon the use of the access card. The access card is given to each resident for the purpose of entering the main, back, and recreational doors of each Residence Hall. According to campus policy, these doors are to remain locked 24 hours a day and to never be propped open for any reason.

Ja-Shun Tolbert, a Draper Hall resident, confirmed it is common practice for people to trail someone into the dorm who has just accessed the door.

“A lot of people come in and out of the dorms that don’t even live here,” said Tolbert.

He said that problems occur because security at the entrance to the dorms is often non-existent.

“People were scared at first and everything is getting back to normal, but I still think there should be some security at the doors,” Tolbert said.

Cockrill said that locks on the bathroom doors will be installed in addition to system upgrades, but no further measures are under consideration.

Dorm security is a prominent issue throughout college campuses across the country. The University of Southern California boasts both access card entry and locks on restrooms, stairwells, and elevator access. Residents must use a key to initiate power to the elevator. With nearly triple the number of residents, USC Residence Halls must implement formidable deterrence against the potential thief.

Sac State Residence Halls only have access card entry. Once inside, a prospective thief would encounter no other obstructions except student and Resident Advisor presence.

“My biggest concern is that people tend to lapse about their surroundings,” said Cockrill. “That is why we start at orientation with parents and students together, acquainting them with the importance of safety.”

Not all of the residents feel safe with the current status of the dorms.

Sutter Hall resident Shanay Brumfield said the incident at Jenkins Hall has made her aware of what is going on around her, but has perpetuated her fear in other scenarios.

“I feel uncomfortable when strangers walk into the dorms,” said Brumfield. “I sometimes get concerned when entering the restrooms because you don’t know who is in the stalls.”

Despite the minimal deterrence inside the dorms, the outdoor landscape does not cater to potential thieves. Thoroughly lit walkways and relatively low brush near dorm windows and entrances can be a deterrent itself. Cockrill also said that residents are encouraged to notify an RA if someone or something suspicious occurs.

“Far too often something happens and no one says anything because they think it’s not cool to act on it,” said Cockrill.