Air Force Academy Invests in Thousands of Security Cameras

Air Force Academy Invests in Thousands of Security Cameras

The U.S. Air Force Academy is increasing cadet safety and security with the installation of security cameras.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 25, 2019

The U.S. Air Force Academy has installed several thousand CCTV cameras on campus over the past year to create a safer environment for cadets and to deter criminal behavior. 

The installation of the cameras was brought up at a recent subcommittee hearing following the release of the annual Pentagon report on sexual assault and harassment at the academies. The report's anonymous survey found that 747 students said they experience unwanted sexual contact within the last year, nearly a 50 percent increase from 507 students in 2016. 

During the hearing Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, discuses how male and female cadets live in the dorms of the academies within their cadet companies and what can be done about their behavior when leaders are not there.

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, the Colorado academy's superintendent, said that the academy is responsible for working harder to build a "culture of accountability: and that their leadership education has senior cadets who are about to become Air Force officers take responsibility for what happens in their company. 

Silveria said the safety and security of cadets are his responsibility.

"So we've installed thousands of CCTV cameras throughout our dorms for safety and security," Silveria said.

The cameras were added to an existing system, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force Academy. They were approved in 2017 and their installation began in May 2018. The installation should be complete this year.

The cameras were installed in common areas at cadet dorms, including hallways, entrances and exits, study and TV rooms, stairwells and rooftops. They are not being placed in private areas, such as cadet rooms, locker rooms, officers or restrooms, the spokesperson said.

"The effort is ongoing and is intended to enhance the safety and security of out cadets," Silveria said. "Additional, the units serve as a deterrent against criminal conduct, and provide footage for investigations in the event that an incident occurs."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.