Re: A "physical security" question - "cameras" versus "boots on the gr

[Dexter Caldwell <Dexter.Caldwell () FURMAN EDU>]

Michael,
        I can tell you that I had similar concerns as cameras popped on on campus
and other departments around campus began either buying or trying to get
IT to help stand up new cameras or request access to existing camera
systems.  I decided on one course of action and I have persisted with it
since.  When I get a request to install a new camera or provide access or
anything of that nature-  I always notify the Director of Public Safety
and ask him if he's okay with me granting the request or if he has been
consulted about it.  I also tell the users that out of consideration for
Public Safety we have to do this just as if someone were making a change
to networking- we'd like to know it.   Most of the time it's no problem or
they've already done it. So far this has served me well and there as
seldom ever been an issue.  I leave it up to them to deal with whether or
not they want calls from every rent-a-cop around campus who's watching
from home or something.  Also, there are sometimes people who really
should have certain access that they might know from experience, so I
simply let them make the call.  Don't really have any other official
recommendations on this one though- but it works here.

D/C
The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv
<SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU> writes:
> 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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