To diminish the possibility of unauthorized persons from gaining entry into a student's residence, several security measures have been set to protect the student and his or her property. First, the core to each lock is assembled with its own "combinated" number. This number, is placed into a computer program designed for the Department of Public Safety Key and Lock Control System. Each key issued to a student will only open that student's room door. Second, the possibility of duplicating room keys is remote because the key blanks are high security and not available.
The responsibility for the installation and assignment of locks and keys for all residence halls on the Western New England College Campus is that of the Key and Lock Control Division of the Department of Public Safety. The unit is staffed by full-time locksmith, Mike Chelkonas, who was hired in 2004 to meet the increasing demands of the lock shop.
The responsibilities of the unit involve more than merely installing locks in each of the residence halls and issuing keys to the student population. The unit is responsible for the cutting of all key blanks, hardware on the card access system, and the supervision and installation of security alarms on campus. The Department of Public Safety Lock Shop utilizes a secure and patented key blank by Schlage and Kaba that are not available to the public. This decreases the liklihood that unauthorized duplicate keys can be made.
The unit's other responsibilities include building lock cores, repairs, and diagnostics of any problems with the cores or keys in any system installed in the residence halls or apartments. Periodic maintenance of all locks installed in campus residences must be performed. All documentation for work performed is carefully maintained. The card access system hardware is maintained and tested on a regular basis. Central station alarm monitoring and the installation of security alarm systems on select equipment and certain college buildings are also controlled by the Alarm and Access Control Technician.
Locked Out of Your Room or Office?
The College community frequently relies upon the Department of Public Safety to assist them when they are locked out of their residence halls or offices. These "lockouts" are frequently caused by forgetting or accidentally locking keys in a room. Some lockouts are caused by intentional damage done to the locks. The Department of Public Safety responds to hundreds of these requests for service each year. Because there could be a slight delay in responding to a lockout, students should first seek the assistance of their Resident Advisor in these cases. If you are unable to locate your room mate or your Resident Advisor, then please call the Department of Public Safety and we will be happy to assist.
Lost or Stolen Keys
If your keys are lost or stolen, you must obtain a "Residential Key/Core Change Form" from your Resident Manager, or from the Office of Residence Life. The form should then be brought to the Department of Public Safety. The locksmith will change the locks in the student's residence and issue new keys to all the residents of the apartment as soon as possible. If you and your room mates are not home when the locks are changed, you will be notified to turn in your old keys and retrieve your new keys at the Department of Public Safety. To cover the cost of changing the locks and issuing new keys, the Department of Public Safety charges a fee of $100.
Mike Chelkonas
Locksmith / Alarm & Access Tech