WSU Police taking new patrol restrictions in stride

Hallways and other common areas in dorms like this one at WSU will not be patrolled by police following a ruling by a state appeals court.

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Story Published: Jul 14, 2008 at 6:59 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 10:59 PM PDT

By Hayley Guenthner

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PULLMAN - For now at least, police will no longer conduct random patrols of WSU dormitories, or other dorms at public universities and colleges around the state.

The Washington Appeals Court ruled in June that residence hall common areas, such as hallways or lobbies, have the same privacy protection as the inside of a home.

WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner says officer reaction is mixed.

"You know, the officers themselves, some of them have enjoyed being in the dorms, have made themselves known there and gotten to know the people there," said Gardner. "They are a little disappointed."

Gardner said random patrols were already rare and officers always tried to respect the space of residents. He said authorities will still make their presence known on campus, but will now only show up in the halls when asked.

"We'll have a more specific reason to go in rather than, 'oh, we're just going to go in to calm things down.'"

Former WSU Resident Adviser Jake Able says he's pleased with the change. He says during his stint in charge, he heard from dorm residents concerned about police invading their privacy.

"The students would come up to me and ask me, you know, 'Why are police in the halls? Why were they walking around?' said Able. "Because, the residence hall was their home and they thought the police entering all the time was an intrusion."

Able said he doesn't think the change will cause more problems in the dorms.

"It is college. Kids do tend to act out a lot anyway. They might act out a little more but that's just part of life. The RA's do have the power to call the police and invite them in if there is a problem,"

Gardner said he too doesn't anticipate an increase in crime, but says if a jump does occur, they'll be ready.

"If a specific incident occurs that drives new legislation or a different kind of policy, then we'll change things," he said.

Gardner says the new policy will be implemented this fall.

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