Students may have noticed that extra cameras have been added to the public areas in all the residence halls within the past year.
Cameras are installed in the hallways, by the elevators, in the common areas and at all of the entries and exits, said Sarah Waters, director of Residence Life.
Waters said the addition of more cameras is important as it makes it easier to ensure the safety of the residents by monitoring who comes and goes. It also allows Residence Life to be able to investigate further into disturbances.
Budamir Markovic, a resident of Falcon Heights, agrees.
“The cameras make people less likely to disturb the peace of others,” he said.
The cameras have helped positively close investigations this year such as a pulled fire alarm, Waters said.
“The added cameras also allow University police to follow up on cases of vandalism or complaints,” Waters said. “Vandalism is rare, but the ability to review more cameras has helped identify culprits.”
It’s about trying to ensure the residence is safe, Waters said.
“I feel a little safer with the addition of cameras, but I feel like I’m being watched,” said Liane Cesare, a resident of Offenhauer.
Some of the students are thankful the cameras are there.
Markovic said the added cameras in the residence halls can’t hurt and are a good thing to have overall.
The cameras can help security and probably save time and money in the long run, Markovic said.
Not all students agree with Markovic’s point of view.
Cesare said she doesn’t think the added cameras have much of an affect.
“I noticed the new cameras around the doors and outside the building,” Cesare said. “I feel like they are more for looks.”
Cesare admits the cameras may have some benefits, however they come at a cost.
Cesare kept her residence hall door closed this past year because the positioning of the cameras in the hallway allowed them to see into her room if her door was open.