Big brother is watching, big brother is watching! 

   Compared to most schools, the University of Arkansas-Monticello crime rate remains substantially low. So, does the university really need cameras?  

   Currently, the university has placed cameras in Royer Hall, Bankston Hall, Maxwell Hall and the John F. Gibson University Center. They installed cameras to prevent the breaking of university policy. 

   Marquita Washington, a Resident Assistant at UAM for three years, two of which she spent in Royer, thinks there should be more cameras on campus. 

    “There’s little light at the apartments at night and the cameras would give a sense of security. There also should be some placed in the parking lots to prevent vandalism.” 

   The heads of the department make the decision to place cameras in the buildings, and a it is highly possible they will add more cameras. 

    “Right now we are considering adding cameras to Horsfall and the apartments. We’re currently shopping around, looking for good deals,” said Mitch Meredith, Director of Residence Life.  

   The cameras not only serve as a deterrent, they also help take pressure off the students. 

    “Students don’t have to worry about retaliation from another student when making a complaint. The videos serve as evidence,” said Officer Mike May, who works for Public Safety. 

   Problems still exist even though the cameras serve their purpose very well. 

   The cameras in the dorms serve to see who enters into the building, but once inside, it is next to impossible to determine the location of the individual. But how can the university solve this problem?  Should the university place cameras all throughout the buildings and risk the invasion of privacy of the students, or do should they leave things as is? Catch 22.

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