13 WTHRPurdue installs over 50 new security cameras
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Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News
West Lafayette - New security measures are coming to Purdue University. Dozens of surveillance cameras are being installed to give police real-time information.
Purdue already has a dozen eyes in the sky, mainly around Ross-Ade stadium. By May, more than 50 new cameras will be installed mainly at the entrances and exits of parking garages, where crimes like theft and vandalism commonly occur.
The live video feeds give dispatchers additional information to help in an emergency situation. Currently video is stored for three months and can be used to prosecute suspected criminals.
The cameras, some of which can pan, zoom and tilt, will be used for what's known as passive surveillance, meaning no one will monitor them 24-7 but if a crime does occur, police will get the chance to get a close up look of the area.
"Having an eye on the situation gives you that immediate information that police and fire need to know right away. You know, how many people are involved, is the incident still going on," said Chief John Cox, Purdue University Police Department.
On the West Lafayette campus, where the combined population of students and staff nears 50,000, the cameras are being welcomed as an added layer of security.
"If like something happens to you right there, there's someone that can find you. They can see you; then you're more likely to get help faster that way," said Amy Lindbled, sophomore.
University officials are also hoping the $1.5 million investment pays off in the form of deterrence.
"People hopefully will not break laws and hurt other people if there's cameras watching them, especially if they know there's cameras watching them," said Elizabeth Schwartz, sophomore.
In addition to the 50+ cameras being installed this spring, another 50 may be installed by the end of the fall semester. Police hope to be able to monitor up to 133 sites on the Purdue campus when the project is complete.
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