By REAGAN MCREYNOLDS
Northwestern student walks by a security camera as he goes about his day at the front entrance of the health and sports science building.
Students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University can expect to see updated security cameras and safety lights around campus as officials work to improve the campus safety and security.
Chief of Police Dennis Kilmer and Officer Deontre Thomas recently discussed the new camera system, explaining why the older cameras are being replaced, where they are being installed, and how to ensure student privacy will be protected.
The new cameras will give campus law enforcement better coverage of the university and provide another resource when investigating incidents. According to campus police, the cameras can be used to investigate situations involving student misconduct, criminal activity and property damage.
The main reason for replacing the previous cameras is that electronic equipment eventually becomes outdated. Campus officials said the new system is intended to provide better technology and coverage throughout campus.
A large number of the new cameras are being installed around and inside residence halls. Officials said the locations were selected in part because students live in those buildings and the cameras can provide additional protection. The cameras will be available 24 hours a day, allowing officials to review footage if an incident occurs.
“The ones in the dorms, those are because we have students living there,” Kilmer said. “That is for their protection.”
The increased use of cameras has also raised questions among students about privacy and who will be able to access the footage. Campus police said access to the system will be limited rather than being available to all university employees.
Law enforcement will have full access to the camera system. Certain university officials, including individuals involved with Title IX, housing and information technology, will also have access for specific purposes. Officials explained that checks and balances will be put in place to prevent unrestricted access to the entire system.
The cameras will also be placed only in public areas. According to campus police, the cameras will not be positioned to see inside students’ rooms, or other personal areas, helping protect the privacy of students living on campus.
Although installation is already underway, the new system is not yet completely operational. The company installing the cameras is still working on the system, and campus police said they do not currently have full access.
Officials said they are also working to establish rules, policies and procedures for the system before giving full access to campus personnel. The goal is to make sure the system is implemented properly instead of rushing the process.
The cameras are not the only safety improvements being considered on campus. University officials are also working on updating existing safety lights and installing additional lights in areas around campus.
Some students have noticed that certain lights around campus have stopped working, including areas near the red stairs outside the Health and Sport Science building. Students who walk across campus early in the morning or late at night have raised concerns about visibility in those areas.
Campus officials are also working to increase the number of student workers around campus. Having more ununiformed student workers present would provide additional visibility and help create a greater sense of security.
As the new camera system and other safety improvements continue to be developed, campus officials said their goal is to provide students with a safer campus while also establishing clear guidelines for the use of security technology.
An exact completion date has not yet been determined.