Duke's system of video surveillance cameras may be in for a facelift.
University officials are currently discussing ways to integrate campus-wide security cameras into one cohesive system, which could involve placing cameras at the entrances to residence halls.
Aaron Graves, associate vice president for campus safety and security, said he wants to re-examine the University's current use of security cameras and develop a more centralized, focused system.
Right now, security cameras are scattered throughout the campus under the direction of various organizations, such as Parking and Transportation Services and the Duke University Medical Center.
"We don't want a hodgepodge of different systems that in some cases are not able to talk to one another," Graves said. "We know that [Duke University Police Department] will be the ones that will have to respond when things go wrong, so we want to have some input into how those systems are designed and implemented."
Graves said he will look at the technology currently being used and assess where certain areas need improvement. He hopes to create a more consistent scheme across campus.Another improvement under consideration is installing additional surveillance cameras outside of dorms to aid criminal investigations and deter crime, he said. He is currently discussing options with University officials.
Security cameras of this kind have been proposed by administrators but never were implemented, except for two pilot cameras outside Randolph Residence Hall that were installed in 2002.
Cameras at the entrances to residential areas would provide an additional layer of security to the existing DukeCard readers, which keep track of who enters the buildings at what time, Graves said. Video surveillance would enable DUPD to verify that the name on the card matches the person in the video recording.
"If vandalism occurred in a residential hall, and we were pretty sure it was not residents of that building, having the ability to see who entered the building at a particular time might be helpful for holding the right people accountable," said Eddie Hull, dean of residence life and executive director of housing services, in light of the Feb. 4 vandalism of the Giles Dormitory.
He stressed, however, that the addition of cameras should not lead to unnecessary policing of students' behavior.
In addition, Graves said, cameras would allow officers to anticipate potential threats before investigating doors that have been propped open.
"My personal belief is that privacy trumps security in issues like this, but we'll need to get more info from the student body," said Campus Council President Jay Ganatra, a junior. "I hope that the administration will take [students'] opinions into consideration."Student opposition to dorm security cameras may have played a role in administrators' previous hesitation to install the devices. "Personally, I know the students here well enough to believe that their impression of a security camera would be to catch them doing something wrong," Hull said. "That would not be a reason why I would support cameras at all. I would only support them to provide another layer of protection for the community."
Sophomore Paul Slattery said he might back a decision to add security cameras, but only if the decision reflects the will of the student body. "I wouldn't be comfortable having cameras in my common room or hallway, though," he added.
Graves stressed that DUPD will not place security cameras inside residential communities. He also said the potential surveillance would be only one component of improving overall security systems at Duke, which will also involve increasing student awareness and responsibility.
"No matter what system we have, if you leave windows open and if you don't lock doors, you could be victimized by a crime," Graves said.
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