Letters to the Editor: Nov. 17, 2010

University already protects against privacy violations

Regarding: “After Rutgers suicide, University policy remains unchanged” (Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010):

In addition to the all-important “respect for others” policy found in “Rights, Rules, Responsibilities,” which was quoted and addressed in this article, we feel it is important to mention that the University’s core information technology policy has had language regarding privacy and electronic recording for a couple of years now. It states: “Surveillance cameras and other such devices should not be used in places or ways that violate a reasonable expectation of privacy on the part of those whose activities are to be monitored or recorded. Locker rooms, restrooms, personal residences or dormitory rooms are some of the places where persons reasonably have an expectation of privacy, and in which adequate notice and consent of the subject(s) should precede the use of any photographic or sound recording device. Capture and dissemination of images and sounds in such situations without such notice and consent of the subject(s) is disrespectful of their rights and may violate University policy.”

We also want to take this opportunity to remind all students that if they or someone they know here at Princeton is feeling upset about any matter, the University’s Counseling and Psychological Services has staff available to respond at all times. CPS can be reached during the day at 258-3285, and at night at 258-3139.

Tori Jueds and Cole Crittenden GS ’05

Associate Deans of Undergraduate Students

Actions of Borough Police are overbearing

We visited the University over fall break to see our niece, the school and town. Our niece is part of Triangle Club, so she was in town working on sets.

We noticed that most students were away and there were groups of high school students in town to take the tour of Princeton. We enjoyed the quaint town and comfy feel elicited by the locale and people, “townies” and students alike. That is why we were so surprised by what we witnessed from the local law enforcement.

As we strolled near Palmer Square, we noticed policemen standing at or near intersections — and every time a car even pulled over to drop off or pick up a person in the rain, they were immediately approached and got a ticket! We then noticed the “no stopping or standing” signs along Nassau Street. Being from the Los Angeles area, I understand the need for pedestrian and traffic control as well as anyone, but this looked very much like a setup to snag visitors. Almost all the traffic in town was from families visiting students or families in town on college visits. Several of these people were stopped at the curb for no more than two seconds prior to being issued a ticket.

We were stunned by the “big brother” appearance of the officers’ actions. Maybe they didn’t have much work as the party crowd was gone for the week, or maybe they were asked to bolster the city coffers with tickets as much as possible. Maybe there was a need to find “make-work” by the cops to pay their wages during the downturn of fall break — but the way they stopped drivers and wrote up so rapidly was shocking. Late one evening, cruising a residential area, we noticed an empty squad car parked on a side street. At the next corner we were stunned to see the officer standing under an overgrown tree, with a radar gun in his hand!

Princeton was interesting enough that if not for the snow and cold weather, we would consider buying a home in town. But the biggest reason we would not find it an enjoyable place to reside is the attitude and actions of the local law enforcement. Locals should be embarrassed about it. Our niece will finish studies at this fine institution and we will visit again, but we will never forget that this quaint town loses whatever goodwill the townies and University bring by the overbearing big-brother tactics of the local police. I sure hope our niece doesn’t play her iPod too loudly or get caught jay-walking in town and get a ticket.

Scott Fountain