EDITORIAL: More trouble than they're worth

Officials should keep listening to student opinion during the trial period for dorm hand scanners. But beyond seeming a bit bizarre, the scanner system at first glance looks like it'll be a costly safety measure that isn't really needed. We certainly agree with the goal of the scanner system -- to free up more SpectaGuards to patrol campus. But there has to be a way of doing that without turning dorms into fortresses. And though dorm safety is obviously a concern for University students, it's not clear that the existing PennCard system needs to be replaced. Making it even more time-consuming to get into dorms doesn't seem like a good solution when the process of swiping a PennCard already causes lines. We are, however, pleased that the scanners are not being immediately placed all over campus. By starting out with a trial period to gauge the system's capabilities and student reaction, Public Safety and College House officials seem to be carefully weighing the pros and cons of the new system. Officials have also demonstrated their willingness to hear student input by involving the Residential Advisory Board in the process. We're glad to see students given an active role in determining a policy that will, in the end, primarily affect students. Sure, hand scanners are on the cutting edge of technology. But they just may not be worth the hassle and cost.