OU Housing and Food Services is in the process of installing bubble cameras in the elevators in the residence halls to prevent vandalism, Michael Heaton, assistant to the director of Housing, said in an e-mail.

Heaton said the primary types of vandalism in the elevators are either students kicking or attempting to pry open the doors and students aesthetically vandalizing the structures.

"The presence of the cameras will significantly improve the operation, maintenance and safety of the residence hall elevators and should also improve student satisfaction," Heaton said.

Installation has begun and will continue in the 19 elevators in Adams, Couch and Walker centers.

When the elevator doors are pried open or kicked, they shift out of alignment, rendering the elevators inoperable, Heaton said.

He said these acts of vandalism result in work orders, repair calls and after-hours responses, which the cameras may help to prevent.

When asked about the overall cost of the installation project, Heaton did not provide an amount in the e-mail.

Lauren Hicks, a University College freshman who lives in Adams Center, said the aesthetic vandalism in the elevators is a problem.

"People break things, spill things and just generally make a mess out in the elevators," Hicks said. "Hopefully the cameras will fix this problem."

Heaton said he expects fewer maintenance and repair calls to cover the costs of the cameras and installation.

The video will be recorded and stored for a period of time, rather than monitored, he said.

Ure Obowu, advertising sophomore, said she thinks the mere presence of the cameras won't be enough to curb vandalism.

"If people know about them, and if there is a penalty, then the cameras will help," Obowu said.

Obowu said Housing may have to make an example of some students before the cameras will make a difference.

She said she thinks it's good that Housing is doing something about the vandalism because there were a lot of problems in the elevators last semester.

Hicks said she agreed that the cameras are a good thing but said there are downsides.

"Sometimes now you kind of feel like you're being watched," she said. "That just makes me feel uncomfortable."

Hicks said Housing has installed cameras in three elevators in Adams, but installation is not fully complete.

Heaton said Housing expects the project to be completed by the end of March.

To report elevator problems or vandalism call OU Housing and Food Services at 325-2511.
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