Southeast Missouri State University Upgrades Classroom Security with New Door Locks
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University has installed around 300 new mounted door locks inside classrooms across its campuses to upgrade student and faculty safety.
The locks are designed to be engaged from inside the room, eliminating the need for anyone to step into the hallway during an emergency. Jeffery Crites, the university’s Emergency Operations Manager, said the decision to install the locks came after active shooter training sessions reveled the importance of quickly securing classrooms.
“When we were doing active shooter training last year for faculty and staff, one of the concerns was having to go into the hallway to lock a door,” Crites says. “Now, anyone in the room can secure the door from the inside.”
The university has already installed these locks in classrooms and meeting spaces with faulty locks. The locks are also expanding to the university’s affiliated campuses in Sikeston and Kennett.
Students, including Lili Harmon, say the new locks provide an added sense of security. “It makes me feel very safe, especially in today’s world,” she says.
Despite the improvements, Crites hopes the locks will never have to be used in an actual emergency. “They’re there, they’re not going anywhere, and hopefully, they’re never needed,” he says.
