The truth about dorm tailgating
When a polite act turns dangerous
By Jennifer Bak, Staff Writer
October 24, 2007 | 10:56 a.m.
Nothing sends residence hall inhabitants into a frenzy more than an unwelcome intruder or unexpected occurrence; unfortunately because of a little habit known as “tailgating,” intruders are more prone to show up right in front of someone’s door.
What exactly is “tailgating”?
In this case tailgating is not what students do in the bed of a truck before football games because something as trivial as cooking out in a Chevy doesn't impact dorm safety. Rest assured, this kind of tailgating has nothing to do with sport, hot dogs or even trucks.
This tailgating is “the act of allowing someone you do not know access to our residence halls by holding the door open,” according to the colorful flyers popping up around South Green.
So now it isn’t good manners to hold the door open for that poor kid lingering in front of the doors? Residents who sneak up behind people and quickly slide into their hall before the doors close are committing the controversial act known as tailgating. Strangers who come into residence halls are becoming more of a hassle than before.
How do students deal with tailgating?
Contrary to popular belief, a resident will not suddenly become the most hated person in the residence hall if he or she politely refuses entry to the stranger walking in close proximity. In fact, fellow residents may be thankful for the caution exercised.
According to a New South Green RA, “strangers who don’t live in the residence halls” commit most burglaries in residence halls.
So instead of being known as “that rude kid who doesn’t let anyone in,” a resident could suddenly become “that kid who let the thief in.” Without a doubt, the former would most certainly be more appreciated.
Are students tailgating if they follow closely behind another resident to get into their own hall?
Technically, no, but residents should be warned that if the person they are trying to sneak past doesn’t know them, trouble could ensue.
Residents should be prepared to receive the quick door-pull-closed or even verbal refusal to ensure that they are denied entry. The polite, “I can’t let you in, I’m sorry. May I refer you to the call box, though?” and the less polite, “Do you even live here? Because I’ve never seen you before,” are potential signs that the resident is suspicious of a tailgating attempt.
Residents themselves are, in fact, accused of taking part in tailgating on a regular basis. One South Green resident found that out the hard way when she was approached by police officers claiming that she fit the profile of someone who let a damage-doing tailgater into the building.
Unless students take it upon themselves to form a close personal friendship with every resident in their hall, using the designated entrance key is going to have to suffice for gaining entry to their building.
It’s obvious that tailgating is becoming a huge and potentially dangerous issue that’s spreading across Ohio University's residence halls faster than wildfire. The best news, though, is that there is a way to stop this atrocity from further threatening the security and safety of residence hall inhabitants.
The New South RA claimed that to ensure the security of the building from intruders, “exercising caution” is highly essential…even someone who doesn’t look suspicious could end up getting in and causing damage.”