In response to several incidents of violent crimes on campus, University administrators and Associated Students have collaborated to implement several campus safety initiatives. These include installing additional cameras, lights and a new crime prevention and alert app, Safe Zone, in an effort to deter local crime.
The 180-degree cameras are part of Mobile Security Units which also include floodlights, spotlights and speakers. Wynne Bendell / Daily Nexus
The UC Santa Barbara campus has decades of reported cases of violent crime, with the lagoon being a particular hotspot, where large areas remain mostly unlit. Last October, an attempted sexual assault took place by the lagoon, which led to campus-wide efforts to make the area safer for students.
One of these efforts was a campus lighting and safety walk led by the University of California Police Department (UCPD) to document where community members felt installing lights was necessary.
In collaboration with the Associated Students (A.S.) temporary committee on student safety and university administration, the University received an emergency 90-day permit from the California Coastal Commission. This permit enabled the University to install cameras by the lagoon to document any violent crime and tentatively approved permanent lighting installations around the area.
The 180-degree cameras are part of mobile security units (MSUs) made by LiveView Technologies, which also include floodlights, spotlights and speakers. UCPD has placed three MSUs by the lagoon, one in the west campus area and one by Portola Dining Commons, to deter bike theft.
According to a press release from the safety committee, UCPD does not surveil the area at all times. Rather, the MSUs use a loitering alert system where the department is notified if human presence is detected for more than around 60 seconds. This is when dispatch will review the footage, and if a crime is in progress, they will dispatch officers. They are also able to remotely turn on the flood lights and talk to individuals through the speaker system.
UCPD has also stated that the cameras should not be used for the “sole purpose” of enforcing alcohol or drug offenses, and were specifically installed to deter and intervene with violent crime. However, if a violent crime does take place, footage of illegal drug or alcohol use may be used as evidence in an investigation.
Additionally, UCPD has confirmed that footage collected by the cameras will not be shared with any federal agencies or third parties without the written approval of the chief of police.
UCPD is also considering adopting and implementing a new campus alert system for crimes that occur on and around campus. The Safe Zone app is used on college campuses globally and sends campus-wide alert messages when crimes take place. It also allows students to request escorted walks home and direct communication with emergency services, among other safety measures.
The department is still considering other alert systems, and the earliest a new program would be implemented is Fall 2027.
A version of this article appeared on p. 5 of the April 9 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
