2008 Woodie Awards
Public Safety reinforces dormitory security policy
Jason Hamilton
Issue date: 1/19/06 Section: News
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Security in Central dorms seems to be a key issue after the stabbing, and the two sexual assaults within the past two years.
Several universities across the nation are using surveillance cameras to log suspicious activity in the hallways of their dorms. This kind of security upgrade could cost the University millions of dollars. After the installation fees, someone must be paid to monitor the cameras for the system to prevent crimes.
The surveillance system could be ineffective according to Sgt. Kim Drake of Central Public Safety.
"The majority of sexual assaults are committed in the dorm room behind closed doors, where there are no cameras," Drake said.
At Hutchinson Community College (Kan.) the security cameras in their dormitories are not monitored by a human being. The footage is logged directly into a database and only reviewed after an incident. The cameras are not there to prevent crime.
Security cameras are often used to deter potential criminals by letting them know they are being watched via warning signs posted around the surveillance area. The security cameras can be used to identify the suspect, but that is only after the crime has been committed.
"The majority of crimes in the dorms are committed by someone that the victim knows. A lot of the times, it's somebody that already has access to the dorms; it's not somebody that is there illegally," Drake said. "It's the same thing with sexual assaults. The majority of those crimes are perpetrated by somebody that the victim knows."
The other option for a security upgrade in Central's dorms is to change the lock systems on the entrances and in each room to electronic access locks. This system would require students to slide their card or punch in a code number to enter. The Public Safety Department has had many discussions concerning the switch to electronic access in the dorms. The decision is ultimately up to the Housing Department because it has to generate the funds to pay for the new lock system. More than 60,000 locks would have to be changed.
Several universities across the nation are using surveillance cameras to log suspicious activity in the hallways of their dorms. This kind of security upgrade could cost the University millions of dollars. After the installation fees, someone must be paid to monitor the cameras for the system to prevent crimes.
The surveillance system could be ineffective according to Sgt. Kim Drake of Central Public Safety.
"The majority of sexual assaults are committed in the dorm room behind closed doors, where there are no cameras," Drake said.
At Hutchinson Community College (Kan.) the security cameras in their dormitories are not monitored by a human being. The footage is logged directly into a database and only reviewed after an incident. The cameras are not there to prevent crime.
Security cameras are often used to deter potential criminals by letting them know they are being watched via warning signs posted around the surveillance area. The security cameras can be used to identify the suspect, but that is only after the crime has been committed.
"The majority of crimes in the dorms are committed by someone that the victim knows. A lot of the times, it's somebody that already has access to the dorms; it's not somebody that is there illegally," Drake said. "It's the same thing with sexual assaults. The majority of those crimes are perpetrated by somebody that the victim knows."
The other option for a security upgrade in Central's dorms is to change the lock systems on the entrances and in each room to electronic access locks. This system would require students to slide their card or punch in a code number to enter. The Public Safety Department has had many discussions concerning the switch to electronic access in the dorms. The decision is ultimately up to the Housing Department because it has to generate the funds to pay for the new lock system. More than 60,000 locks would have to be changed.