WHEREAS, there has been an increase in crime on the Cornell University campus; and

WHEREAS, the University recognizes that the cornerstone of academic learning is a safe learning environment; and

WHEREAS, the University seeks to maintain an appropriate balance of right to privacy and right to have criminal attacks deterred; and

WHEREAS, community members have the right to an increased ability to hold perpetrators of crime accountable for their actions; and

WHEREAS, some buildings are left open during times of low usage such as at night or during breaks and most buildings cannot be locked down remotely or at all, posing a serious safety concern during incidents such as an active shooter on campus; and

WHEREAS, crime can be deterred and persons held accountable through the use of Networked Video Surveillance Systems (NVSS) and Access Control devices (AC); and

WHEREAS, a significant portion of the campus constituency expects more surveillance to be already present in exterior locations; and

WHEREAS, the University is constantly reviewing sites for beneficial NVSS and AC installations during major renovations and new construction; and

WHEREAS, there is often decreasing marginal cost of adding each additional NVSS and/or AC units where units or appropriate infrastructure already exist; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that Facilities Service and Cornell Police will follow University Policies 8.1 and 8.4 in their installations to address the issues of privacy and restrictions.

RESOLVED, that the university Facilities Services department and Cornell University Police department work together to research the Return on Investment (ROI) of the addition of strategically placed NVSS and AC to on campus buildings.

RESOLVED, that the university support the university Facilities Services department and Cornell University Police department to provide greater physical security through strategically placed interior and exterior NVSS and AC installations surveillance cameras in buildings and outside through grant writing and other fiscal means.

Respectfully submitted,

Joy Cai
Chair, University Assembly