At most gas stations, a small television displays security camera footage upon entry. Customers can see themselves and wave or take a picture. This lets the customers know that they are being recorded, thus deterring crime.
A similar system is in place in the residencies across campus. Upon entering a residence hall, students will see a desk managed by two students. Across from this desk is a small TV displaying live footage from four different security cameras. A second TV off to the side displays four different cameras. This system is in place in every on-campus residence.
Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Matthew Lige said that the residence hall cameras serve a similar purpose. He said that the the front desk staff monitors the cameras to help prevent crimes and problems from entering the building. For example, if a fight were to break out in front of Downing Hall, the front desk staff would see it on the cameras and call the campus police to prevent the fight from coming inside Downing.
Chief Lige said that in addition to prevention, the cameras serve retroactive purposes. For example, if a bike were stolen outside Wise Hall, the security camera footage would be used to find who stole the bike.
“There are too many cameras to constantly be monitoring all of them,” Lige said. “We are not spying on students, just trying to keep them safe.”
The cameras also serve practical purposes. For example, if an intoxicated student were passed out by the elevators, the front desk staff could see that and send someone to help the student get back to their room.
According to Lige, EMU chose to place the monitors across from the desks as opposed to behind them or in a separate room for two reasons. The first is that it creates transparency. The monitors' conspicuous location allows students and guests to know that there are cameras and that they are being monitored. The second is the idea of cameras working as a crime deterrent. By reminding students and guests that their actions are being recorded, EMU's Department of Public Safety hopes people will be less likely to violate housing or conduct standards.
Lige estimated the cameras were put in around 10 to 15 years ago. The monitors are updated when the building is updated, which is why students may only now start noticing them.
He said that the cameras were a product of a collaboration between students, dorm faculty and DPS. The campus had been having problems with fights breaking out, and those groups felt more security was necessary for the dorms. They decided on cameras and the monitoring system as a solution.
These cameras are just one of many security measures on campus. For example, Lige also pointed out the blue emergency call towers placed across campus.
Cell phones are the go-to for calling emergency services. However, if a student were to accidentally lock their phone and keys in their car, the student could use a call tower to call the police to unlock the car.
These emergency phone poles were also requested by students and staff, Lige said.
He said he is constantly looking for feedback from EMU’s community and his, as well as the entirety of DPS. His number one priority is campus safety.
