There ought to be a serious discussion about security cameras on campus.

Security cameras in storage are not doing any good for Pitt-Johnstown’s students and staff.

The result of the debate on whether cameras should be used depends on which concern is greater for Pitt-Johnstown’s community—privacy or safety.

We think Pitt-Johnstown campus police should be able to help shine light on this debate.

Police should be gathering information about criminal activity on campus.

Police should also be active in improving Pitt-Johnstown’s security.

We are divided on which concern is greater, but the time to start a discussion about security cameras has come.

Having security cameras watching Pitt-Johnstown students’ every move is infringing on their privacy, if they are not first informed of such cameras.

This would apply to Pitt-Johnstown’s staff as well.

However, using these cameras could lessen the possibility that a student might commit a crime on campus, knowing that Big Brother is watching him or her.

Student government senators should have a say in where and when security cameras should be mounted.

That is, if cameras should be mounted at all.

In the past, security cameras have been mounted throughout campus, but not turned on to record.

Pitt-Johnstown’s currently unused security cameras could be similarly mounted without being connected rather than collecting dust in storage.

If not, Pitt-Johnstown should donate or sell the security cameras to someone who would utilize them for the purpose they were made for—providing extra security.

At least some in our community say they feel insecure in some places on campus, usually at night and in poorly illuminated areas.

Such areas may have an added measure of safety with cameras present—recording or not.

Others may feel there is too much security of their mundane activities and more cameras would be a further intrusion on their shrinking privacy.

Both sides have merit in their opinions.

We would like to see a full, open discussion so whatever is done eventually, it is done with opportunities to participate in the decision-making.