Boston College will embark on the second phase of its three-year campus security upgrade that will include a card-access system for the majority of academic and administrative buildings and the installation of security cameras in public areas.
The second phase follows the implementation of wireless access for first-year residence halls and the Reservoir and Thomas More apartments, and a new dispatch center for Boston College Police.
Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police John King said that the card-access system builds on best practices already in place in Stokes Hall, Merkert Chemistry Center, the McMullen Museum of Art, St. Clements North and 129 Lake Street, and will allow users to unlock a door without needing to swipe a card. King said the upgraded system will require the distribution of new proximity cards only for those faculty and staff who need after-hours access to their offices, and that hours of operation will be developed specifically for each building after consultation with deans and directors of those facilities.
King said that the installation of security cameras will be limited to public circulation spaces, common areas and campus locations dedicated to critical University operations.
King, Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley, and Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead agreed that while this phase of the security upgrade should be minimally disruptive, it will require patience and flexibility among members of the BC community.
“Boston College remains a safe campus,” said King. “Given the times in which we live, however, we are obligated to do all that we can to ensure the safety and security of our community members, as well as the personal and intellectual property of our faculty and staff. Working together, we know we can achieve these shared goals.”
King said he looked forward to meeting with faculty and staff to answer any questions that may arise, and to receiving feedback as the University proceeds with the implementation efforts in the months to come.
“These safety enhancements are consistent with best practices at peer institutions nationwide, and are intended to achieve the safest possible environment for BC faculty, staff and students,” said King. “We encourage all members of the community to look for updates on our security enhancement efforts in Update, on BC News and in Chronicle.”
–University Communications