The University of Akron has joined with Summit County, and The City of Akron to install a new high-tech security system aimed at keeping students safe off-campus.

36 security cameras connected to the County's new high-speed fiber optic network, have been installed in neighborhoods near campus. They are hooked into both the Akron and Campus police departments, and are monitored 24/7 by Artificial Intelligence (AI) which can notify officers to respond in the event of an emergency, crime in progress, or even just suspicious activity.

According to Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro's Chief of Staff, Brian Nelson, the cameras are part of what is envisioned as a high tech "neighborhood watch" program, which will eventually include local businesses as well. 

But what about citizens' privacy and civil liberties? Will they get lost in the shuffle? What can area residents do to make sure a fair balance is achieved, before this new technology gets deployed in more nighborhoods citywide?

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