Texas Colleges and Universities Authorized to Perform Background Checks on Future Dorm Dwellers

Texas Colleges and Universities Authorized to Perform Background Checks on Future Dorm Dwellers

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Aug 05, 2013

Texas Colleges and Universities Authorized to Perform Background Checks on Future Dorm DwellersAs the battle over campus security continues, Governor Rick Perry has authorized Texas colleges and universities to dig deep into student’s backgrounds, so deep in fact, that institutions of higher education can now access the Department of Public Safety’s website for official information before allowing students to live on campus.

Although these student background checks are optional, allowing each institution to make their own choice, Grayson College, among a list of other Texas colleges and universities, is requiring students for the fall 2013 semester to go through a background check, if applying to live in Viking Residence Hall.

Police Chief Andrew Macpherson commented, regarding the college’s students, “They live here. They’re here 24/7 just like us. So, our primary goal is to make sure they have a safe environment to live in no matter how we do it.”

The state website will show pending charges and convictions on each student, if they occurred in the state of Texas. Yet, crimes committed in other states will not be disclosed nor will the records of out-of-state students and international students.

“Hopefully this will open the door to allow that [the checking of student’s backgrounds from all states and internationally]. And, I’m hoping we can get that done soon,” Macpherson stated.

Each campus’ police chief and/or housing officer are the only ones approved to access student criminal records, and the criminal history of each person cannot be released or disclosed to anyone, except by court order or with individual consent. And, according to legislation, each criminal history record is required to be destroyed after the academic semester begins.

Sources: http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Texas-colleges--universities-initiate-dorm-background-checks-217695851.html

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/humble/opinion/texas-senate-approves-criminal-background-checks-on-college-students-seeking/article_0fdbfd61-a948-5e2d-b757-4676f389d63d.html 

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.