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CMU strengthens campus security by adding new access controls on doors

Entrance to Central Michigan University's Anspach Hall.
Renae King
/
WCMU
Entrance to Central Michigan University's Anspach Hall.

In an effort to strengthen and expand campus security, Central Michigan University has installed new door systems to start off the academic year.

On Aug. 1, CMU announced the addition of four new access controls to academic buildings on campus.

The buildings will limit the public’s access outside of normal operational hours and will require students, staff and faculty to use ID cards.

Mike Sienkiewicz is a lieutenant with the CMU Police Department. He said the new system will also allow CMU's dispatch team to remotely secure the exterior doors to these buildings in the event of an emergency.

“We knew that to be able to quickly make those changes from a remote location was critical. Because we know second matters in an emergency, and that will allow us to help keep people safe,” he said.

CMU first began installing access controls to its residence halls in 2017. The new devices are the next step in expanding campus security to its academic buildings.

Sienkiewicz says the university plans to install controls to additional buildings across campus as funds become available.

Renae is a newsroom intern covering northwest Lower Michigan for WCMU.