Because of an increase in high profile crimes on campus, ASU is reevaluating its safety and security protocol.
Residence hall security is on high alert since a Level 2 sex offender was arrested on Oct. 10 for trespassing and loitering in three freshman dorms: Palo Verde East, Palo Verde West and Palo Verde Main.
Director of Residential Life Kevin Cook said there would not be any changes made in policies at this time, but he has talked to the Residential Life staff about promoting awareness about safety to residents during hall meetings.
Cook said that because the facilities and layout of residence halls are different, the policies vary.
According to Residential Life, all residence halls without a front desk are locked 24 hours a day, and anybody, student or not, must have a key or be escorted in with someone who does.
Residence Halls that have a lobby with a front desk require students to show an ASU Sun Card with a sticker on it indicating that they are residents of the building.
The 36-year-old Mesa man who was arrested, Wesley Stuart, was taken into custody after he was found allegedly harassing females in several different residential halls.
ASU police detective Jim Hardina said Stuart was still in jail as of Wednesday morning. Bail is set at $990, and Stuart only has to pay 10 percent of it before he is released.
Since Monday, first-degree burglary has been added to his charges.
"He went into a girl's room in Manzanita and stayed in her room even after he was repeatedly asked to leave," Hardina said. "He left only when he felt like leaving."
Two female students from Manzanita have since come forward as witnesses.
Manzanita does not require people to prove they are residents during the day, though from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., visitors are required to be escorted by a resident and sign in at the front desk.
"I think we have to continue to be very much aware of people in our surroundings and hold fast to policies and safety protocol," Cook said. "These things are simple and make the environment secure."
Reach the reported at christina.viloria@asu.edu.
