University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY October 31, 1996
The Student Voice Since 1903
Cameras creep up for campus safety By Lisa Tatum Staff Writer
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Ben Rester tries on his "dragon" Halloween costume in the Child Developement Center on Wednesday morning. (Staff photo by John Clanton)
Spirits haunt around the world f trick or treaters wanted to reclaim the roots of the harvest-time tradition, they would venture out into the streets in costumes constructed of animal heads and skins. However, most of today's kids would probably rather stick with the more subtle white sheet with eye holes or a black hat and faux mole. But that wasn't the fad 2,000 years ago, and no one was opening doors to offer candy.
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Many history books say the modern-day celebration of Halloween sprang from a Celtic festival call Samhain (pronounced "sow in"). Samhain, rooted in areas near Great Britain, Ireland and France, celebrated the end of the summer season and the beginning of the Celtic new year. Huge bonfires were built and gruesome V See HALLOWEEN, Page 4
hey're lurking over your shoulder at the bank. They watch you meander through the aisles of the grocery store. They know everything you buy at the 7-11. And now they are coming to UCO. Video surveillance cameras. will become a part of UCO's high-tech future this spring. In the first of a two-phase project, a remote controlled video camera will be installed on a pole north of Broncho Lake. The camera will provide a 270 degree view of the lake and surrounding area to be monitored by personell in the university's department of public saftey (DPS). "This camera's primary purpose is to provide a safety net over the lake area," said Jim Roberts, chief the UCO DPS. Dr. Cornelius Wooten, vice president of administration, said the idea for camera surveliance on campus has evolved over the past months but became urgent with the completion of the lake. "The lake is to be enjoyed," said Wooten, "but it could be hazardous." "We're concerned with safety but we don't have the manpower
to make sure people are obeying the rules," he said. The cost of the initial camera and video system will be $12,800, to be funded through the university's general fund, said Wooten. Cameras added in Phase II of the project will cost approximately $5,000 each. Funds should be available to launch Phase II by July 1, 1997, he said. Within two years, Wooten said a total of 11 cameras will monitor the campus. At a total cost of approximatley $80,000. officials believe the saftey benefits will outweigh the costs. "What's it worth to prevent one assault?" said Roberts. "We have a responsiblity to make our campus safe," said Wooten. "We feel this investment will give us good mileage for our money." He said he thinks the cameras will be easily accepted. "Society has come to accept that video cameras are a part of our daily life." Wooten appeased concerns for those who feel cameras impose an invasion to their privacy. • "This university will be committed to making sure such invasions don't take place." 4
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COLUMN Writer Ma Mary Reinauer explores Halloween traditions, old and new.
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