QUESTION
I’d like information about the new cameras on campus. Are they new cameras or replacement? What did they cost? Are they going to be a part of a controversial surveillance system, like Flock or Ring?
RESPONSE
They are a combination of new cameras and replacements for aging cameras. We do not have any Flock cameras (or similar) on campus. While Flock has been very beneficial in solving crime in the region, there are no current plans to purchase these systems at UT Martin.
The Office of Information Technology Services spent $207,063 in grant funding for the cameras and related hardware. The original UTM Security Upgrade Project, funded by the State of Tennessee, allocated $99,315 for security cameras and video equipment. The project was funded to increase safety on campus, and the cameras were part of a larger project upgrading lighting, physical and electronic locks. The project was not spurred by any rise in crime or specific concerns, but rather by a desire to improve safety on college campuses across the state. The cameras were specifically part of the project because of a need to replace aging, out-of-warranty devices and to improve coverage across the campus. Some cameras were also purchased through the housing and the Paul Meek Library budgets in order to address their specific needs.
In addition to the replacement of old cameras. new installations increased the total number of cameras on campus from 778 to 850.
A rapid deployment camera system was also purchased to allow better coverage during events and in areas of concern. For example, you may have seen the system deployed in Veteran’s Park during Skyhawk Palooza.
