2008 Woodie Awards
Security Cameras Create Concerns for Students
Some say they are opposed to additional surveillance
Jeron Rhodes
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Have you noticed the new cameras across campus? If not, they most certainly have noticed you. They are part of a new security initiative implemented by Lincoln's Department of Public Safety.
"It's about whatever visibility on campus that you can create that enforces your presence, said Captain James A. Connor, Assistant Director of Public Safety.
The presence of cameras on campus supplements the additional officers who can be seen traveling across campus in brand new patrol vehicles patrolling high volume areas.
Over the past few years, officials at the Department of Public Safety have been lobbying the university for funds to purchase the sophisticated camera system aimed at reducing crime across campus. Connor said that funds were approved and made available earlier this year to purchase the equipment.
In the wake of the deadly school shootings at Delaware State University and Virginia Tech University, many view this addition as a welcome change on campus. Connor said that the mass shooting at Virginia Tech forced colleges and universities across the nation to take precautionary measures to safeguard against violent acts.
Lincoln officials say that they are fully prepared should an emergency arise on campus.
But some students say that the additional cameras violate their privacy on campus and are not necessary.
"Obviously, the cameras are here to help the campus get a better handle on what is happening on campus, but the question becomes, are they intruding on privacy?" asked Re'becca Benoit, a senior, who is majoring in biology and history.
Amber Newton, a junior who is majoring in Mass Communications, said that the additional surveillance, including additional police officers stationed in the cafeteria is too much.
But Connor disagrees.
"We have good people, we have well-trained people and we have the equipment, so if an incident should occur we will be able to respond to it," he said.
"It's about whatever visibility on campus that you can create that enforces your presence, said Captain James A. Connor, Assistant Director of Public Safety.
The presence of cameras on campus supplements the additional officers who can be seen traveling across campus in brand new patrol vehicles patrolling high volume areas.
Over the past few years, officials at the Department of Public Safety have been lobbying the university for funds to purchase the sophisticated camera system aimed at reducing crime across campus. Connor said that funds were approved and made available earlier this year to purchase the equipment.
In the wake of the deadly school shootings at Delaware State University and Virginia Tech University, many view this addition as a welcome change on campus. Connor said that the mass shooting at Virginia Tech forced colleges and universities across the nation to take precautionary measures to safeguard against violent acts.
Lincoln officials say that they are fully prepared should an emergency arise on campus.
But some students say that the additional cameras violate their privacy on campus and are not necessary.
"Obviously, the cameras are here to help the campus get a better handle on what is happening on campus, but the question becomes, are they intruding on privacy?" asked Re'becca Benoit, a senior, who is majoring in biology and history.
Amber Newton, a junior who is majoring in Mass Communications, said that the additional surveillance, including additional police officers stationed in the cafeteria is too much.
But Connor disagrees.
"We have good people, we have well-trained people and we have the equipment, so if an incident should occur we will be able to respond to it," he said.
Be the first to comment on this story