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| CCTV: Are we being watched too much? | Send to a friend |
| Written by Rahul Odedra | |||||
| Thursday, 12 March 2009 21:52 | |||||
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A Kingston professor has suggested that we need to think a bit more before we criticize the proliferation of CCTV around the country.
 A recent House of Lords report, titled Surveillance: Citizens and the State, suggested that the growing use of CCTV may be a risk to personal freedoms and the right to privacy. However Dr Sergio Velastin, Director of the Digital Imaging Research Centre at Kingston University, said: "CCTV is watching you, but if you don't do something wrong, then you are alright. You can say you don't want the cameras. But then you are on your own when something goes wrong." Britain has the most CCTV cameras per capita in the world, with estimates of between 4 and 6 million, meaning one in five of the world's cameras are in this country. Kingston University is one of the nation's leading centres of research into CCTV, with over a dozen experts developing ideas for future systems and uses of technology and surveillance. Third year Human Resource Management student Vipul Gusani sees no problem with the extensive use of CCTV around the university and other parts of Kingston. He said: "It makes you feel safe, and can also be helpful. A friend of mine recently lost her handbag, and security were able to find it using CCTV." The House of Lords report did not dwell on the effectiveness of CCTV in deterring criminals, and Dr Velastin admits it is debatable: "There is evidence both ways, that it does work and that it doesn't." However, Economics Student Anna Warczak has doubts about CCTV: "I don't like being watched all the time. There are cameras everywhere here, and it can seem a bit creepy." For more information about the university's research in CCTV and surveillance click here. To read the full House of Lords report, visit here.
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News In Brief
| Research grants announcedKingston University last week received a 5.3% increase in its government grant for research and teaching. The Higher Education Funding Council for England announced that Kingston would receive £73.3m in 2009/10. The average national increase was 4%, while a number of universities, including the London School of Economics, saw their funding reduced. |
| Kingston student named Microsoft 'Intern of the Year'A Kingston student won Microsoft’s 'Intern of the Year' award after a process he created was used by the computer giant’s worldwide sales force. George Avlastimovas, a Business Information Technology student, came up with a new form for staff requesting bonuses while on a placement as part of his course. He said that the internship gave him “a fantastic opportunity to shape and mould the role to suit my skills.” |
| Bring your own mugA money saving scheme has been extended to the Penryhn Road campus. Lecturers and students who bring their own mug to the Picton Room will receive a 5p discount off any hot drink. The scheme, already trialling at Kingston Hill, was introduced in a bid to encourage sustainability and cut back on packaging produced by the university. If successful, it will be extended to all the foodstores. |
| Cheeky cat in hallsGorgeous George the cat is much loved and petted by the residents and staff at Middle Mill Halls, but, his cheeky antics have got him into trouble. He can often be found pacing the car park meowing at passers by, lounging in reception or nipping into halls for extra strokes. However, halls management are now concerned that this felicitous feline is breaching the licence and have put up a sign asking students to prevent him sneaking into bedrooms and becoming overfed. |
| Honorary degree for leading luvvieOne of the leading lights behind the Rose Theatre received an honorary degree from Kingston University last month in the building he helped to create.Robin Hutchinson, 50, worked for over 25 years to bring the theatre to reality. The former director of communications and fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind said: “To be recognised by Kingston University was a wonderful honour and to receive it at The Rose was incredibly special.”Click here for more. |
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