University Police hope to continue implementing more technology to ensure a safer environment on campus.

In 2011, 350 security cameras were installed to keep watch over residence halls and parking lots. The cameras were added in stages in order to soften the impact it would have on the University budget. The next stage was to install cameras in other buildings such as the student union, cafeteria, Beauregard Hall and increasing the amount of cameras in residence halls and parking lots.

According to Terry G. Dupre, director of purchasing and property control, the purchase of security cameras was, “Not just a university police purchase but a purchase for the university.”

Initially the cameras cost $74,000, and a network systems purchase added $94,000 to that cost. Two years later, an upgrade cost about $10,000. These cameras are spread out over campus, which encompasses about 300 acres. According to University Police website, these cameras are monitored at the University Police Department by officers on duty.

Craig Jaccuzzo, director of University Police, explained, “Technology is good, but you do not spend money on technology just to say you have it. When you look at it, it has to be useful and serve a purpose.”

According to Jaccuzzo, the cameras are a preventative measure, but they are also conclusive when they help University Police solve cases. Even when security camera footage does not solve a case, it can provide leads for officers to investigate.

“Statistically, some of the crimes take place in the city and in the parish. They do not take place on our university because there is a nine out of ten chance we will catch the crime on video,” Jaccuzzo said.

Security cameras also make the campus safer for students and visitors alike. Jaccuzzo has observed that visitors feel safe knowing someone is watching. Jaccuzzo also attributes the rarity of burglaries on campus to the existence of security cameras.

On Sept. 8, it was reported that eight football players had their cell phones stolen from Baker Hall during football practice. By Sept. 18, the suspect had been identified by using surveillance footage and was apprehended. The suspect was charged with eight counts of felony and theft. The case was forwarded to the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office.

University Police are interested in integrating more technology by purchasing body cameras for every officer. Jaccuzzo believes that security footage is useful by clarifying the circumstances surrounding each arrest and by making sure student rights are being protected.

Jaccuzzo commented on the use of technology saying, “I think that is an asset, not only to the police department but to our community.”

Purchasing body cameras for each officer will cost around $16,000. Last year, Jaccuzzo asked for funding from the Student Technology Fee Committee, but his request was denied.

The Student Technology Fee Committee, which is composed of nine students and eight faculty members, review various proposals to determine where the money from the student technology fee will be dispersed. Jaccuzzo continues to look for funding for the body cameras but plans to reapply since he thinks these cameras would benefit students.

“I wish the board who made the decision last year would give me an opportunity to speak to them on why I made a request instead of sending me a letter telling me it was denied,” Jaccuzzo said.

Overall, Jaccuzzo would like students to know that cameras are there for their benefit, saying,
“I want people to understand that the cameras are not Big Brother watching you. We do not put them in any areas where you would have an expectation of privacy. They are put in areas where they are in plain view and can show us entrances, exits, areas with high traffic flow or areas that are contain something valuable that we want to monitor.”

Jaccuzzo continued, “We do it to protect property and the safety of our students, faculty and staff. They are not there to infringe on anyone’s freedom or rights, but to promote a secure environment.”