Is the University slowly becoming the latest version of Big Brother?
The Department of Public Safety recently announced that a Homeland Security Grant for $48,750 has been awarded to the University, used to upgrade the current video surveillance system and to also purchase more video campus to set up around campus.
The grant is part of a program, announced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, in which $16 million will be spent by the state of Connecticut to enhance the efficiency of security systems.
“This grant is a government grant through Homeland Security, specifically for non-profit organizations,” explained Todd Pelazza, the director of Public Safety.
“Our department, myself, Frank Ficko, the associate director of Public Safety, Debbie Zsebik, and Susan LaFrance, have all worked together in securing this grant for the University,” said Pelazza.
The grant will be used to upgrade the analog system to an IP system. An IP system has a web-based platform, which means the video footage can be accessed over the Internet. The IP surveillance also features a higher mega-pixel system, which will let authorities, and officials zoom in with clarity. The new system also has a wider field of view, which means that even if the camera is zoomed in or focused on a subject, it will still record the whole specified area.
This is unlike the current cameras that are referred to as pan-tilt-zoom cameras. These instruments are set to a certain path or pattern of the area and follow this path in a continual cycle. This can be an issue if a situation arises when the camera is pointed in another direction, but the new IP system will greatly reduce this problem.
“The biggest advantage of this new system is that it will allow emergency responders to access the camera footage, as long as there is wireless [internet access],” Pelazza said. “This will better enable them to assess, see, and plan a response to certain situations.”
He explained that the University is still in the process of researching vendors; but that once this is complete the installations will begin.
Phase One of this project is to switch over the current system to the IP surveillance. This first phase must be completed by April of 2010. Right now, there are mostly roof-mounted cameras around campus at locations such as the residents halls, academic buildings, and other public locations. Pelazza mentioned that at some point in the future, Public Safety would be applying for further grants to purchase more cameras and equipment.
Many students were glad for the upgrade in security on campus, but others brought up some concerns and questions.
“I don’t think there would be a need for the local authorities to access our cameras, because I think most situations can be handled by Public Safety,” said Joe Plouffe ’13. “But in case that there was an extreme situation, where the security footage needs to be reviewed I guess it might have positive effects.”
Kerry Davis ’11 said, “It’s good that our campus is becoming more technologically advanced, but it sounds very 1984 Big Brother.”
Other students had stronger concerns about the web-based system. “I think it is a little scary that it’s web-based,” commented Christina Dunne ’13.
“I’m just concerned of the video falling into the wrong hands. But as for the upgrade, I’m glad that campus will be more secure for students.”
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