The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is closing out a major upgrade of its campus safety equipment this month in preparation to welcome students back to campus on Monday, August 21, installing the final set of cutting-edge camera systems across campus.
The new platform features high-definition audio and video recording, 360-degree coverage, 24-hour activity alerts, facial recognition for safety and emergency management, individual and vehicle identification and query functions, and license plate recognition.
More than 300 new cameras have been installed since the spring, including adding 100 cameras to new locations, and upgrading 210 existing cameras to higher-quality systems. In addition to the 300+ new cameras, many of the still-functional older cameras are being be moved to lower traffic areas, rather than being taken offline completely.
University Police Department Chief Ray Ottman expressed his commitment to the safety of the campus community: “Our department is dedicated to the philosophy of community policing and continually seeks to build partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors to enhance their experiences. This camera upgrade project is a result of our collaboration with our campus community, our Student Government Association, and our university administration, and aims to address the local and nation-wide increase in concern over campus safety, while providing improved functionality for police investigations, and overall health and safety preparations.”
The initial phase of the project focused heavily on the Sebastian Commons apartment complex, and included the installation of 40 new outdoor camera systems in the multi-building complex, which provide complete coverage of the facilities, recreation spaces, and parking areas. It was one of many initiatives to improve safety at the complex said Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students, whose role oversees campus housing.
Last year, UAFS Housing introduced live-in UPD officers to the Commons, ensuring rapid response to the area in case of emergencies. This year, the live-in officers will engage even more closely with the facility, participating in housing activities throughout the year and getting to know students living in the Sebastian Commons and Lion’s Den Residence Halls.
The UAFS Police Department comprises uniformed officers certified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, as well as full-time dispatchers and student members who serve as additional eyes and ears on campus. UPD serves the UAFS campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
