Purdue installing surveillance cameras to keep tabs on campus

Purdue University police are keeping an even closer eye on campus activities through new surveillance cameras designed to increase safety and deter crime.

Cameras are being placed at 54 sites, mostly parking garages, through May. Purdue Police Chief John Cox says he plans to have 133 exterior cameras in place by fall to enable police dispatchers to monitor public spaces.

"This is not being used so we can be Big Brother," Cox said. "The two things we want is to deter crime and to solve crime."

Cox says the camera system helps alert police when they're needed at a scene and can help deter theft and vandalism. Purdue police received reports of 184 cases of vandalism and criminal mischief in 2009, with losses of nearly $86,000. More than 400 theft cases were reported.

"Our staff only has so many people that can be out on the street," Cox said. "We are hoping that this system will be another tool."

Some cameras will have magnification capabilities and can be remotely controlled if dispatchers need to zoom in on an area for more information.

Surveillance cameras have been in place at Purdue for years.

Ross-Ade Stadium has 12 cameras installed to monitor areas around the facility. Another camera keeps watch over the parking garage at Purdue's Visitor Information Center.

Cox said police are often called to the center, where parking tickets are paid, for unruly patrons.

"It is highly emotional over there, and we can monitor the situation and know if we need to put on the sirens to get there or not," he said.

The cameras are being installed in three phases. About $1.4 million has been spent so far.