[SecurityHive Editor’s Note: There is a movement amongst university and colleges not to classify video cameras as "surveillance" cameras. This seems to come from a privacy issue more than a safety issue.] Holy Cross officials have recently confirmed that a number of cameras will be installed on campus in the coming months. Although these cameras are intended to bolster security, Robert Hart, Chief Director of Public Safety, announced at a recent SGA meeting that they should not be considered “surveillance” devices. He stated that the cameras will not be used to consistently monitor students; rather, they will be utilized on a case-by-case basis when troubling incidents occur.

Public safety will have access to the recordings, but they will only examine them when they feel it is warranted. The cameras will also record over themselves after a certain span of time, so the material they capture will not be retained indefinitely.

This information is sure to come as a relief to Holy Cross students, some of whom are understandably anxious about this new measure. It should be noted that there are already some cameras on campus, including in Hogan, the computer rooms, and by a loading dock.

More importantly, students should note that cameras will not be installed in any “private” areas in the residence halls, including hallways, study rooms, or common areas. Instead, they will be placed in public access areas such as dorm entrances and near freshmen field.

These high-traffic places will be monitored solely for safety reasons, particularly so suspicious individuals or concerning activity can be observed. However, as Chief Hart has consistently maintained, these cameras will not be watched constantly.[…]

Source www.thehccrusader.com