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Video
cameras help monitor employees, creates efficiency Video cameras in food service areas and kitchens across campus monitoring Sodexho Marriott Services employees have been helpful for supervisors to check on workers’ professional hygiene, safety practices as well as training, said Rick Flores, general manager for Sodexho. The cameras have allowed supervisors to peer into the work areas of employees to make sure they are verifying TCU ID’s, washing their hands, handling food correctly and working efficiently, he said. No employees have been fired because of actions caught on camera, Flores said. Last October, 38 cameras were installed by Sodexho School Services in The Main, Deco Deli, Frogbytes, Eden’s Greens, The Pond Street Grill and Sub Connection at a cost of approximately $47,000 to Sodexho, Flores said. The cost will not affect student accounts and the cameras are not there to monitor students, he said. The footage is randomly reviewed throughout the day, Flores said. “If a supervisor sees a congested area or a problem while it’s happening we’re able to move the personnel around or address the problem before it gets out of hand,” he said. The images are also used in training sessions for specific procedures and security concerns. “We’ve been able to figure out who was the last employee to leave when a door was left unlocked one night,” he said. “And I’ve been reassured when I’ve been able to see procedures adhered to.” Flores said a red flag was raised in his mind when he watched a worker on the monitors in his office help take out the trash and then return to his work station. Flores said he was relieved to see the worker wash up and change gloves before handling food again. Odessa Kennedy has worked in dining services at TCU for four months, but she’s been employed by Sodexho at other locations for five years. She said this is the first time she’s worked under video surveillance. “When I first started working here I thought, ‘Well, my goodness,’” she said. “But after a little bit it got to where I didn’t even notice them anymore, and I can understand why they’re up there: For (our) protection, for the students and for Sodexho.” Kennedy said supervisors explained to her the purpose of the cameras on her first day of work. Senior
nutrition major Lisa Jacobs said that while she wasn’t aware
of the cameras, she is comforted that food preparation is being
monitored. I like the idea that the bigger picture is being watched,” she said. “If the supervisors actually use them, not only will they know if a problem occurs, they’ll be able to see what caused the problem.” Kami
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