Re: A "physical security" question - "cameras" versus "boots on the ground" - best practices

[Ben Woelk <fbwis () RIT EDU>]

I asked our Public Safety office for their take on this question. Here's their response:

On our campus, it's not a matter of either-or, but both. Certain high risk areas require cameras as a deterrent; as a 
resource to mine and cultivate investigative information; and as a tool to proactively scan for problems/incidents. 

In my opinion, cameras can be a force multiplier if utilized appropriately. Can we monitor hundreds of cameras 
simultaneously--of course not. But having the option/ability to group various camera segments together and monitor hot 
spots is value-added 'patrol' work. Personnel are needed to provide uniformed visibility campus-wide and to respond to 
emergencies while a dispatcher monitors certain camera segments when a particular crime trend develops on campus. This 
is only one example of how technology and human resources can be deployed to deter and detect crime.

Ben Woelk

-----Original Message-----
From: The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU] On Behalf Of Schmidt, 
Eric Ward
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:58 PM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: Re: [SECURITY] A "physical security" question - "cameras" versus "boots on the ground" - best practices

Michael,

An inexpensive but far reaching option for this type of scenario also came from the VA Tech incident - staff and 
faculty awareness training.  The training is called Active Shooter Awareness Training and it's analogous to the 
awareness training we all know for fire - stop, drop, and roll.   This awareness training provides staff and faculty 
various things to consider if you're on campus and you think you hear gun shots.  


Eric Schmidt

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 27, 2011, at 12:26, "SCHALIP, MICHAEL" <mschalip () CNM EDU> wrote:

> Hi folks.....
>
> Sorry if this is the wrong "group", but - I need some advice.....
>
> We're struggling with a debate on physical security measures.  Following the Virginia Tech incident - our execs 
> decided that we had to respond with increased security measures.  At some point - the decision was made that we 
> needed to explore "security cameras".  Next thing we knew - there was a contractor engaged, cameras were installed at 
> one campus (we have 6 across the metro area!), and now - the questions are finally being asked - "Are we doing the 
> right thing...??"
>
> Putting in cameras is fine - but then folks are trying to figure out "....who's going to be watching the camera 
> feed?"  The other question that was asked was, "What is more of a deterrent - a security camera - or taking the cost 
> of 30 cameras and hiring another pair of boots to walk around??"
>
> So - I'm asking all of you:  What kind of physical security is preferred?  What kind of security measures are used in 
> higher education to provide a reasonable level of security?  Are folks using more "technology" - or more "warm 
> bodies"??
>
> Looking forward to your wisdom.....
>
> Thanks,
>
> Michael
>
>
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