Do we like security despite the inconveniences?
Police are here to help protect us. If we are not compliant with any of their requests then we need to reconsider our view on what we believe is unreasonable search and seizure.
On campus there have been cases of search and seizure but what constitutes as a reasonable, or an unreasonable search? In the Residence Life and Dining contract there is a clause that allows UW Police to search your dorm if there is probable clause.
According to legalinfousa.org, probable cause consists of the legal standard where a police officer has the right to make an arrest, conduct a personal or property search, or obtain a warrant for arrest. Section G of the Residence Life and Dining contract states, Residence Life and Dining Services reserves the right to enter rooms
for safety, health, and maintenance purposes or where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of university rules and regulations has occurred or is taking place.
According to the UW Police website, in Downey Hall UW Police searched for marijuana due to a substantial odor found by a R.A. Police then were able to cite one of the students for possession. If police didn’t search the room then they couldn’t have apprehend the criminal.
There has been concern as far as to whether or not UW PD or Laramie PD has the right to search buildings, possessions, cars, and personal bags during the day.
Some may argue that police are invading privacy, but they are actually doing their job by making sure that all premises are secure.
According to the UW Police web page, there was an issue in White Hall with alcohol being in the dorms. There was an anonymous student that felt as though because the alcohol in their room they could do what they wanted. But the dorms are university owned and if probable cause is in effect then it is necessary for UW officials to respond accordingly.
The answer is anywhere on campus or anything on campus can and will be searched if there is probable cause. To begin with if you didn’t do anything wrong then it should not be a problem to be searched. A person that shall remain anonymous was asked by police to see UW ID and was asked if they could search his or her laundry bag. So that person complied and police said that that person fit the description of someone that was doing more than just laundry. Both Laramie PD and UW PD are here to make sure everyone is safe. So DON’T get upset if someone mistakes you for someone else and as a result you are subject to a search. Just remember it is better to be safe than sorry.
