MUPD recieves grant to improve safety

The Millersville University Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $15,000 that will aid in new security technology for the campus.

The grant, which will be awarded to the University by the end of February, was presented to the school by the Department of Homeland Security.

All improvements and updates to their security system will include proper training for MUPD.

One of the improvements being funded by the grant is the detective system, which is a software designed to manage, process and analyze multi-media evidence.

The purpose “allows us to improve digital video images, etc. that previously would have been unusable,” says MU Chief of Police Wayne W. Silcox.

In addition to that, other new installments have been called such as the new speakers for sirens around campus,

The University has been concentrating on putting in what is called a reverse 911 system.
This system would be installed in all classrooms as a way to send out alerts.

It is a way to signal students and faculty about important messages, and can be heard both in the building as well as outside.

The alerts can be used for several different reasons including extreme weather, safety procedures or crime related information.

Messages to other phones can be heard and received even if they are not picked up.

This is part of the digital campus system, which is in relation to some of the security technology already being utilized on campus.

Currently, there are emergency call boxes placed among many locations around campus, including McComsey, Creek Dr, and Prince St, parking lots.

MUPD is also looking into putting more of these throughout the campus.

If in danger, or an emergency situation, an individual can press the button on the call box, in which case the Telecommunications center is dispatched immediately, and reaches the MUPD who arrive at that location.

Another feature added last year is the eCampus system, called MU Alert by the University.

The alert system allows the University to inform students and faculty who have enrolled in the service to be notified about emergencies and weather relating to class delays or cancellations.

Students must sign up each year to stay in the system since it is updated yearly, purging those who may not need it any more such as alumni or retired employees. Students can also find signs hung in different building around campus, including the SMC, about security alerts such as evacuations and lockdowns.

These are used to provide students with information they need to stay safe on campus.
“There are three different kinds of lockdowns: preventative, emergency and shelter. We will be having drills later in the semester, one in an academic building, residence building, and administrative building,” says Chief Wilcox.

As security continues to strengthen, instructions and training on all safety procedures will be implemented for the police department as well as students to ensure that the University remains a safe community.