Security cameras to be installed in north parking lots

Starting in early 1994, I worked for my first-ever newspaper, The Northern Student, the student newspaper at Bemidji State University, where I attended and received my bachelor's degree in mass communication. Over three years, I would be a staff writer, news editor, managing editor and editor. I wrote everything from news stories to feature stories to sports stories to opinion pieces. It was the greatest training ground a journalist could ever have, and I am grateful to the many talented people I worked alongside in my years at The NS.

Nov. 2, 1994

By Devlyn Brooks

News Editor

To improve the safety of BSU's parking lots, the Department of Security and Safety is installing security cameras, said Director of Security and Safety Erle Steigauf. "If an individual is going to be assaulted or attacked outside of an acquaintanceship type of a situation, a parking lot is most likely where it is going to happen," said Steigauf.

A total of six cameras will be installed by the end of November. One camera will be placed in the Oak/Maple parking lot, another will be placed in the Cedar parking lot. The camera by Cedar will be capable of viewing the Walnut parking lot as well. Two cameras will be perched on top of Birch Halls to view both sides of the split lot. Finally, two will be placed in the Rec Center and Phy. Ed. lots. Funds weren't available to install cameras in the Bangsberg and Hagg-Sauer Hall parking lots, said Steigauf.

As of Friday, Oct. 28, the contract to install the cameras had not been awarded to any company. Steigauf said one bid estimated the cost at $35,000. In this bid, the cameras are about $250 each. A zoom lens costs about $950. According to Steigauf, the security cameras will be paid by the Parking Lot Account. This account is funded by the parking permits sold and parking violations that are collected.

Cameras will be monitored by a dispatcher in the security office. Steigauf said there is one dispatcher on duty at all times, so there will be no need of extra personnel.

Mankato State University currently uses a security camera system. Joe Metro, vice president of operations, oversees the Mankato security department. He said Mankato uses the cameras "mostly as a deterrent."

"We have them in all our (residential hall) parking lots and a few other various lots. They have been quite effective," said Metro. Vandalism and break-ins involving cars has decreased as a result, he said.