Security cameras in dorm common areas shouldn’t bother the innocent
To the Editor:
I am writing in responseto aletter published Monday in The AthensNEWS. I am also an Ohio University student and am living next to VoigtHall. while it is a natural reaction to question the use of security cameras,there needs to be some proof of misuse or a negative incident before havingserious concerns.
Personally, I think thisis a good opportunity to bring up the dialogue about security cameras. My viewof the matter is that security cameras should be in all the residence halls.These have the potential to drastically enhance safety on campus. Swiping yourID card into the dorms does not sufficiently increase dorm security. All dormshave some form of outside lock but you know all one has to do is wait for aresident to go in or out to gain access.
I lived in Tiffin Hall myfreshman year. I cannot count the number of times I got emails notifying us aboutbroken lights, fires, trashed halls and stolen furniture. It’s not fair to therest of the residents because if the culprit is not found, they all pay. And ifit’s a matter of privacy, political opponent or otherwise, no one is going togo through more than 5,000 hours of tape to frame a former student.
Nevertheless, collegeshould not be an excuse to be exempt from taking responsibility for one’sactions. The filmed areas in question are called “common” areas for areason. I am not sure what “being friendly” entails, but all areasfilmed are public, and thus conduct should be appropriate in those areas. Ifyou are doing nothing wrong, then you should have nothing to worry about.
As for who accesses thetapes, I am sure that only official Ohio University employees dealing withsecurity have access, although confirmation from the university would bereassuring. if it’s a matter of perverted guys, as a guy I am just going tostate what I thought was obvious: titillating “content” can be foundmuch easier online.
I understand where thewriter was coming from, especially since she resides in the dorm in question.Personally, I would like to know if this person has contacted theadministration about this. if she was really worried about this, she would havewritten the administration first and included their letter to the editor withany feedback she received. I hope the university is given the opportunity torespond.
John FrederickOhio University seniorAthens
