The ASUA Senate had an open discussion tonight, examining University of Arizona Police Department’s new body cameras and the upcoming Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Conference & Expo.
ASUA Sen. Brian Seastone said UAPD purchased body cameras that are worn by every officer who has a grant from the lieutenant.
“If there was an incident on campus, [the cameras] will allow UAPD to give the public an opportunity to see what happened while they solve a solution after true reflection,” Seastone said.
The main usage of the cameras will be for priority calls such as theft, public contact and traffic situations, Seastone said.
Some officers are in the process of testing the cameras; a motor officer has a camera on his helmet. Because they are set at a 73-degree angle, the cameras will not capture an officer’s entire view; however, the cameras record in 3D and at a higher quality than previous police recording technology.
The main focus is on providing a better system to protect students, officers and the Tucson community, Seastone said.
“I think it’s a super cool idea,” said Sen. Trey Cox. “I think we can agree that there are two different sides of the story.”
The 2015 AASHE conference, which runs Oct. 25-28, focuses on bringing together experts and professionals involved in the promotion of sustainability in order to inspire innovation in campus sustainability, according to the AASHE website. The conference involves educational summits on topics such as “Sustainable Storytelling: Using the Power of Innovation Stories to Inspire Action” and “Impact Advocacy – Fair Trade in Your Life and on Campus.” Keynote speakers include Shalini Gupta, current appointee to the Minneapolis Environmental Advisory Commision, and David Orr, the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics for Oberlin College.
Founded in 2008, SFS is part of ASUA run by 10 committees comprised of interns and volunteers. The program started in the fall of 2013 with about 30 interns. The program is currently comprised of 85 interns.
Through major projects such as “Greening the Game” and “Greeks Think Green,” SFS hopes to expand sustainable practices into the larger UA community.
Michael Rabbani and Samantha Springs, the undergraduate co-directors of SFS, attended the ASUA meeting to educate the senators on the annual conference. The SFS representatives requested funds to aid in hotel and airfare costs for the 12 interns who are planning on attending. The total cost of the trip is $4,384.
Rabbani and Springs said the cost is worthwhile because the interns will become better resources to educate other students in SFS.
“I’ve been to AASHE last year, and it was probably one of the most competitive things I’ve done besides run for senate,” Sen. Maddy Bynes said. “There were so many brilliant minds out there.”
The senators said they will not come to a final vote until the next meeting.
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