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By Matt Entwistle

Campus security is becoming more high tech this semester with new proximity readers and surveillance cameras being installed.

Proximity readers, which can either scan bar codes on key cards or be swiped through readers like hotel keys, are already being installed. The current project calls for 25 readers on the doors to high tech areas such as smart classrooms and computer labs.

Larry Rousey, director of the physical plant, said that in addition to eliminating the need for individual keys, the readers record the date, time and person using the card.

Eventually, all of the locks on campus will be replaced by proximity readers, Rousey said.

Locks not being replaced by the readers at this time are being changed.

"They have never been changed since the college opened and have lived their life to the max," he said.

The re-keying, funded through Life Safety Funds, is estimated to cost about $35,000 and is being done by Fox Valley Lumber of Ottawa.

Planning is also underway to install 29 surveillance cameras. Rousey said the cameras will be placed throughout the corridors and floors and also outside to monitor the parking lots and circle drive. Three split screen televisions, to be installed in the newly constructed security office in the link, will monitor the cameras.

Rousey said the college is waiting for approval from the Capital Development Board since the bid for the cameras was higher than the CDB approved earlier. At their January meeting, the college board approved a $359,170 bid from Hart Electronics.