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OSU Camera Upgrade

Updated: Friday, February 8 2013, 02:02 AM EST
COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University is looking to nearly double the amount of cameras on campus over the next few years. In the past, it was forced to only buy one brand of camera, but thanks to a software upgrade, it can now buy a variety of brands which is a big cost saver.
 
"For example a camera system that cost $40,000 before, now would cost you $25,000," said Ron Balser, Director of Security and Protective Services.
 
Right now there are about 1,800 security cameras on campus situated on rooftops and inside of department buildings. But there are still blind spots, and Balser says the goal is to lessen the amount of those. And he says down the line, the hope is to give police officers immediate access to all the video feeds on devices like smart phones and computers.
 
"That way, an officer can see what's happening inside a building, or a room, before he enters in real time," Balser said.
 
Also in the future, the University will be combining the Public Safety Communications Center with the Central Alarm Center. That will help dispatch and the video feed room communicate even faster when incidents happen on campus.
 
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Reporter: Adam Aaro
Web Producer: Kellie HannaOSU Camera Upgrade