 "Photo: N/A")
Security cameras are put in place to make people feel safe about where they are. They make some people feel good and worry free but for others they make them concerned with who is watching them at all times. At Menlo College this concern is raised.
Menlo College has placed security cameras in the resident halls. The cameras are placed at all exit/entrances within the resident halls and were installed on August 12th 2009. Head of Security Jay Naidu and Housing Director Jesse Guilliot are two individuals who have been a part of this process from the beginning.
Naidu and Guilliot have been informed about how the cameras will work and what they need to do when an incident occurs.
"This system of enhancements to the security of our campus will help deter theft and/or crime and make it safer for the students". says Housing Director Jesse Guilliot.
When an issue does occur, Naidu and or Guilliot will have the opportunity to go back and look at the footage from the cameras. "The safety of the students is paramount" says Head of Security Jay Naidu.
The fear of being watched can be a scary thing to some but to others, it's just another day.
"I believe the cameras placed in the resident's hall are good in order for protection from outside and/or inside threats along with the possibility of people stealing." syas Freshman Sean Garcia- Chavez, a Sports Management major and wrestler.
At his last school in Kentucky, Garcia-Chavez says that cameras are things that students tend to forget about throughout their days in and out of class.
"They are not angled at bathrooms or towards any dorms so there's no invasion of privacy or a feeling that you're being watched at all times. I think there necessary just in case issues do arise and there is questioning that has to be done. The tapes can be pulled up for further evidence or clearing someone from being accused."
The reassurance that no one is constantly watching the cameras is confirmed by the Director of Housing.
"We do not have anyone constantly watching monitoring the cameras. All camera footage is recorded and will be kept for a non-disclosed amount of time; the footage will be looked at if we have report of a crime committed (including trespass) and vandalism. This can be used by the Law enforcement in a court of law. Also, the monitoring will be done periodically for quality purposes and to ensure that the cameras are working".
Students around the school had mixed feelings about the cameras.
"I like the cameras because you still have privacy in the halls". states Mykel Kinhult, who is now a sophomore.
Other comments that students have had was that the cameras are a good idea but should be placed in different spots.
"The security cameras are a good idea, but they just need to be placed in better areas. Placing the cameras in the hallways of the dorms would be better, so it would be easier to prosecute a culprit going into somebody's room. I also had cameras at my last school, but I believe they were out of order and just there to scare students." said Sophomore Mike Shai.
Students also felt that the cameras were not necessary within the resident halls.
"I do not like the cameras I believe we are responsible for securing our own things". says Sophomore Lance Fischli.
There are positive and negative responses to the cameras being installed. The concern of being watch is still floating among the students.
The concern of cameras being placed in other areas will be taken care of with what Guilliot is calling "Phase Two" and "Phase Three".
"Phase Two" will be the placing of cameras in the parking lots to ensure the safety of students at night and to ensure that the student's vehicles do not get damaged. "Phase Three" will be the placement of cameras in certain high traffic common areas such as the quad and Brawner.
The dates for "Phase Two and Three" is to be determined.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!