AFA installs cameras in cadet dorms for the first time

For the first time cameras are being installed inside cadet dorms on the United States Air Force Academy.

The cameras have only been installed in dorm common areas like hallways, entries, exits and community rooms. Coverage from the cameras doesn’t include places like private cadet rooms and bathrooms.

The installation began about a year ago, not only inside dorms but other places like outside around cadet areas.

Paul Ceciliani, Director of Security at AFA said the project to install new cameras throughout the base came at a price tag of $5 million.

“When we’re starting to talk about the safety and security of cadets, the base populous and our visitors we find that’s really a small price to pay,” Ceciliani said.

The most recent Pentagon report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies said 221 cadets reported receiving unwanted sexual contact last year. Two years ago 150 cadets reported receiving the unwanted sexual contact.

“We’re deploying cameras for many reasons, obviously sexual assaults is just one of them. Just criminal behavior, we put cameras in the dormitories for a deterrent value as well,” Ceciliani said.

Ceciliani said from a criminal side, the cameras have already proved helpful.

“I’ve already gotten feedback from our criminal investigators that they’ve used the system as far as helping solve cases,” Ceciliani said.

Another round of HD closed-circuit television cameras will start going up next month. Areas like the fieldhouse will receive the cameras, and updated cameras will be installed in Falcon Stadium.