HORNET’S NEST Proctor Academy | May 21, 2019| Vol. 4 | Issue 9 Safety Cameras at Proctor
James told us of many boarding schools using security cameras. “In talking with other schools we are behind the times. Most schools have had cameras installed for a number of years.”
Have you seen the stickers or noticed the high tech ‘eyes’ sprouting above you? With new cameras appearing on campus, students are wondering why they’re up and how many more we’ll see.
Cameras are going to start appearing more throughout our campus. Gregor gave us some insight into where and why new cameras will be used. “[Proctor] will soon install cameras in hallways that lead to locker rooms in the Fieldhouse and hockey rink due to a recent rash of theft from locker rooms. This [decision] is precipitated by a changing dynamic in the community. If we can resolve or prevent theft by installing cameras, it seems the right thing to do. We are also considering a camera in the Maxwell Savage Rotunda.”
By Samantha Parkman and Logan Dunne
Most are in the newly renovated Fieldhouse, so we contacted Gregor Makechnie, the Director of Athletics, for information. “The first cameras installed in the Fieldhouse were placed in the gym and fitness room. The fitness room cameras were not to address a changing dynamic in the community, but rather to allow our athletic trainers to better supervise activity.” James Cox, Proctor’s Director of Technology, was tasked with installing these new cameras. He explained that one of the reasons for adding cameras was theft. James cited student “security and liability.” With lots of students going in and out of the athletic center and the training room, it makes sense to have cameras ensure the safety of all of our athletes. Many members of the student body, however, seem to disagree with these new cameras. One of the biggest complaints noted in a recent survey we sent to Proctor students was that the faculty did not update the community. James observed, “I have had little to no reaction from faculty and currently, there is not a plan to address the student body.” Our survey’s second question asked, “Should the administration have talked to us about the new cameras?” Eighty-six percent of the student body wished that the administration had informed students about the new cameras. We received 73 responses to our survey and also asked, “Are you in favor of the new security cameras?” Sixty-six percent of the responses were not. We included a comment section that allowed students to share any thoughts about the cameras. One of the comments (anonymous) clarified, “I am concerned that Proctor will become like an overbearing parent and not allow students to make and learn from their mistakes. Instead [they are] always monitor[ing] the students because there is a lack of trust.”
Gregor added, “We would all like to live in a world, in a community, where theft does not happen; where school shootings do not occur; where people do not get hurt when engaged in physical activity. At present, however, our wishes do not match our reality. So, we do what we can to create the safest community possible.” While we acknowledge changing times, Proctor students remain concerned. We hope to hear more about the new cameras soon.
No Big Brother, Just an Eye on Your Stuff By Hitch Graham
Can security cameras combat theft in the Proctor community? Cameras have been placed on campus in response to safety concerns and theft in the athletic facilities. I spoke with Gregor Makechnie, the Athletic Director, who explained the cameras have been placed in theft “hot zones.” I asked him about placement. “We have had a couple of episodes in the hockey locker rooms this year. Where someone has gone in during a practice or game and stolen cash. When we have cameras installed in that hallway we will at least be able to follow up. We will have a sense of who is in and out of the locker room and go to those people and have a conversation. Does that solve a theft maybe, does it potentially prevent theft in the future - potentially.” Gregor clarified further that cameras are not being placed all around campus and nobody monitors the cameras. A recent theft took place in the boys lacrosse locker room. The boys on the team