The University of Memphis is employing the use of surveillance cameras in an effort to curb the increasing number of thefts and vandalism of computer and lab equipment on campus.
An estimated 110 electric eyes in the sky are expected to be installed in various U of M labs as early as next semester.
James Redmond, chair of the Journalism department, said cameras should be installed in all labs on campus to prevent thefts and valuable materials from being destroyed.
“Cameras are being placed in the labs because some people steal stuff, and they are abusing the computer system,” Redmond said.
While computer labs on campus are currently safeguarded by alarm systems, U of M officials say more security is needed to counter the growing cost of replacing the equipment.
Moreover, officials said many of the costly problems stemming from computer theft are not the theft of entire computers, but small and expensive elements of the computer systems, such as memory cards and processing microchips.
“We have had computers opened up and parts taken out of them, and they were left like nothing happened to them,” said Tommy Towery, a computer tech support adviser for the College of Communication and Fine Arts.
In addition to the use of security cameras in labs, officials now plan to place locks on the computers themselves to further prevent thieves from prying open the systems.
While the need to implement stronger security measures in the labs was spurred by theft of U of M property, Towery said the security will also be a needed safety precaution for students who often work in the labs late into the night.
Some students at The U of M said the cameras are a good security idea for the labs.
“Cameras will keep theft and vandalism down,” said LaRhonda Thomas, a senior broadcasting major.
“The cameras will become second nature,” Thomas said. “I think a student will only worry about being watched when they are doing something wrong.”
