Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Guarding the front gate

By Edwina Covington

Anyone attempting to enter Virginia Wesleyan College has to pass the muster of the guard at the gate. Whether approaching by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, everyone must be cleared by the guard.

"I know everyone on campus," says Corporal Rodney McFarlin of the Virginia Wesleyan Security Force. "In fact, I know the students and their families. I know the good guys and the bad guys, I know people by face and vehicle."

A lone guard standing at the entrance to campus may not seem like a large amount of protection for campus, but, according to McFarlin, it makes a big difference.

"Other campuses are open and they just let anybody through," McFarlin says. "And that causes them lots of problems. We don't have a lot of problems here because they are prevented at this gate. The bad guys know that they can't just sneak in here. That's a big deterrent to problems."

McFarlin and the guards at the gate are aware of everyone who comes on campus. If people have an appointment or meeting, the guards have their names on a list. If students are expecting visitors on campus, they must alert the guard in advance. Also, guests of students must be accompanied by that student on campus. If outside groups hold events on campus, the guards are alerted well in advance. The guards maintain a log with the identification, driver's license number and type of vehicle of all guests on campus.

"You need to have on a bigger coat," McFarlin advises one student as she passes through the gate. Many students roll down their windows in the cold to greet McFarlin when arriving on campus. Others smile and wave back.

"I don't mind talking to people," McFarlin says. "If I am approachable, maybe a student will come to me with a problem."

In addition to screening those who enter the campus, McFarlin also looks out for people who try to walk on campus away from the gate. He alerts another detail to intercept those possible campus intruders. When asked if there are any measures to prevent people from walking on campus in other areas not visible to the gatehouse, McFarlin says there are, indeed. However, due to security reasons, he cannot say what they are.

McFarlin had a career in the military before joining the Security Force at Virginia Wesleyan three years ago. He says the good thing about his job is meeting people. The only disadvantage of his job is bad weather and rainy days.