No firm plan to install security cameras in several parking lots has been put in place since Ball State University Senate passed a motion for the installation six weeks ago.
On Oct. 6, University Senate approved the installation of cameras in the stadium lot, the stadium overflow lot and the H2 residence hall lot west of LaFollette Complex. No other parking lots have been identified to receive security cameras, Kay Bales, dean of student affairs, said.
University Senate's decision came after no action was taken in response to legislation passed by Student Senate on Feb. 9 asking Ball State to install cameras in several parking lots.
Since the motion by University Senate was passed, at least one bid has been placed for the project, Alan Hargrave, director of Housing and Residence Life, said.
"It will happen," Bales said about the camera installation. "There will be a meeting coming up with several people looking at what our options are in terms of the types of systems that will be put in place."
The meeting will include Bales, Hargrave, Police Chief Gene Burton and a representative from the Office of Business Affairs. Several attempts to meet have been made. A meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled because of time conflicts.
No firm plan to install security cameras in several parking lots has been put in place since Ball State University Senate passed a motion for the installation six weeks ago.
On Oct. 6, University Senate approved the installation of cameras in the stadium lot, the stadium overflow lot and the H2 residence hall lot west of LaFollette Complex.
No other parking lots have been identified to receive security cameras, Kay Bales, dean of student affairs, said.
University Senate's decision came after no action was taken in response to legislation passed by Student Senate on Feb. 9 asking Ball State to install cameras in several parking lots.
Since the motion by University Senate was passed, at least one bid has been placed for the project, Alan Hargrave, director of Housing and Residence Life, said.
"It will happen," Bales said about the camera installation. "There will be a meeting coming up with several people looking at what our options are in terms of the types of systems that will be put in place."
The meeting will include Bales, Hargrave, Police Chief Gene Burton and a representative from the Office of Business Affairs. Several attempts to meet have been made.
A meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled because of time conflicts between the Office of Business Affairs and the others involved, Bales said.
Hargrave said the university wants to pick the best bid, which would offer the best service for the best price.
"I'm not interested in contributing to any kind of delay," Hargrave said. "We know it's important to students, and if there is a financially viable bid, I'm sure we will be pursuing that."
Burton said any opportunity to increase the safety and security of the university should be taken.
There are several different kinds of security camera systems the university can install. Burton said he would like to see a system that records in color and has the capability of zooming in and panning the lots.
Once in place, Burton said he would like to use the cameras as an enforcement tool, not merely an investigative tool. He said he intends to have someone watching the camera feeds at all times when the cameras become operative.
Steve Geraci, president of the Student Government Association, said he wished the camera installation process happened more quickly, but he was impressed because this was an instance in which a student government proposal was put into action.
"Certainly, we will look to move this process along as quickly as possible," Bales said. "I'm not sure what a realistic timeline will be as we work with an outside vendor."
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