During spring break, the Department of Housing and Residence Life conducts safety and health inspections. These inspections are designed to check for half-eaten sandwiches lying on the floor, risky halogen lamps and possible policy violations. In a few occasions, these checks result in something more.
One student in the Griesedieck Complex learned over spring break that safety and health inspections can result in confiscation of a computer and the possibility of criminal charges.
Upon discovering a fake ID and a paper version of another fake ID–along with the presence of a laminator–the resident advisor searching the student’s room contacted his supervisor with the information.
Director of Residence Life Shawn Swinigan explained that the safety and health inspections are meant to find obvious policy violations and safety concerns in clear sight, but when a situation suggests something more serious, a more thorough search can be conducted with the approval of either himself, the director of Housing or the vice president of Student Development.
In those situations, the Department of Public Safety and sometimes the St. Louis Police Department may become involved.
“If something’s in plain view and it warrants further investigation, we will do it,” said Swinigan.
In the Griesedieck student’s case, his computer was confiscated and searched.
He received his computer back Tuesday, along with a list of policy violations with which he was being charged.
He was charged with violating University policies regarding the manufacture, possession, alteration or misuse of identification cards, as well as committing an act that could be found in violation of local, state and federal laws and conduct that is not specifically listed in the code of conduct, but is serious and may require a sanction.
The student describes himself as a graphic designer and said that while he may have possessed a fake form of identification, he has never made or distributed them.
Capt. Rick Younger, assistant DPS director, said that the situation had been turned over to the SLPD, but he was unsure how they were proceeding.
“We had reason to believe that a crime had been committed,” Younger said.
The student spoke with the local police but believes that they are not interested in becoming involved.
During the past week and a half, the student said he had no access to his computer, meaning delayed assignments for classes. “I live and die on my computer,” the student said.
Younger explained that when evidence is impounded, it is not accessible to the individual.
While the situation is not yet resolved as a judicial board hearing is set for Friday, the student has one bit of advice: “Move off campus.” He has already planned to do so next year.
