New cameras installed on campus

By: Lucy First

Posted: 9/12/08

Five new security cameras have been installed around campus in various locations, including in the parking lots of the Administration Building, Admissions Office, Rector and Hanna Street parking lots, as well as at the intersection of Locust and Hanna Streets.

The latest round of camera installations, which were completed during the spring and summer months, is part of an ongoing project that started in 2005, according to Angie Nally, director of public safety.

Nally said that the cameras contain no tapes, but are recorded to a server.

"The cameras record to the server and are visible to the Public Safety dispatcher," Nally said. "We use recorded images to look at areas where incidents have occurred, but mostly the cameras serve as a deterrent."

Nally said her office will share information with Greencastle police if necessary and the videos are available if students are involved in a crime, but are not being used to monitor student behavior.

"We use the cameras to watch for all kinds of suspicious activity," Nally said. "In some instances students may be involved."

Nally said she believes that the security cameras are a good addition to the campus.

"I think the daily news shows all of us the risks on campuses across the country," Nally said.

Freshman Caroline Carter agrees with Nally that the cameras are a good idea.

"Overall, they keep campus safer, and it can't really hurt to have more security," Carter said.

Senior Beth Tobin said that, although she does not see a lot of crime, the new cameras will help with security.

"I've been here for three years, and I'm not seeing a lot of crime taking place," Tobin said. "But I'm sure it happens when you get 2,000 plus students together and you're in a community."

Both Carter and Tobin said they feel safe on campus, but Tobin said she believes that campus safety is an issue.

"It's a problem" with people involved in confrontation with community members, Tobin said. "I have heard instances late at night...but it's never affected me personally."

Nally said she thinks the new cameras are already improving campus security.

"So far the cameras have been very successful in helping students," Nally said. "We've used recordings to solve cases of thefts from vehicles and identify suspicious behavior. This type of technology is very necessary in providing the safest community possible for DePauw. As a wise mentor once told me, 'It's not where we live; it's the time we live in.'"