Wesley security box

Wesley security box

By Raiisha Jefferson, The Whetstone

In the parking lots by Parker Library and Roe Hall are two security boxes. They have bright blue lights illuminating their locations. But they have become just that – boxes with bright blue lights.

Students at Wesley College say they wonder what their purpose is.

“The security boxes automatically call the security office,” said Walt Beaupre, head of security.

Junior Yamir Alicea-Rivera said the boxes help students feel safe.

“The boxes are put in place for a reason and they are meant to make students feel safe,” he said. “If something is happening and you’re near one, you can alert security. There’s actually plenty of campuses that use the boxes besides us, like DSU.”

Yamir Alicea-Rivera

Yamir Alicea-Rivera

Some students weren’t even aware that the security boxes were on campus.

“Being a girl in a neighborhood that is really sketchy, I don’t think that the security boxes are that secure,” said sophomore Christina McTheny. “First off, I didn’t even know that we had security boxes until someone brought it up to me. I still don’t know where they are.”

Freshman Phillip Moore said he wasn’t sure what the boxes were for.

“I haven’t really examined it close up to see what it does,” he said. “If you’re outside in the courtyard and too far to reach security in the underground, the only other way is to get to the security box on the other end of the parking lot. They aren’t really effective.”

Head of Security Beaupre said he thinks that’s true.

“I don’t think they aid in keeping the students safe, so their removal shouldn’t be an issue,” he said.

However, not all students believe removing the security boxes would be a good idea.

“I think the security boxes should stay where they are,” said senior Brynae Goodley. “If you don’t have time to unlock your phone and call for help, hitting the button first would help give someone the time to call for police afterwards.”

Goodley said they were important to have two years ago.

“In the first semester of 2014, we had a lock down because of a guy roaming the campus,” she said. “In instances like that if you are outside and someone is following you, I think the security boxes do come in handy if you know where they are, and it would help to have one in the basement.”