Grant money to be used to increase campus and officer security
The Troy University Police Department (TUPD) is utilizing a $150,000 grant from the Alabama State Senate to boost campus security measures.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville secured almost $95 million for the state of Alabama. That money is meant to help Alabama’s military bases, waterways and local law enforcement.
$150,000 was given to the TUPD.
The funding will be used to improve closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) at Veterans Memorial Stadium, purchase a mobile surveilance trailer and enhance officers’ personal safety equipment.
“We are going to upgrade the CCTV over there to give us a better view of the stadium and help provide a lot more security and investigative resources with the camera system,” said TUPD Chief George Beaudry Sr. “This will give officers an opportunity to actually have real time viewing capabilities of areas that we previously didn’t have.”
CCTV cameras are part of the university’s camera system. They can be found all over campus.
“This gives us an opportunity to be able to conduct an investigation and also again watch in real time camera footage if we need to,” Beaudry said.
TUPD is also using some of the money to provide better security for officers, including active shooter response kits.
“All of our officers are going to be equipped with a ballistic panel vest and helmet,” Beaudry said. “We will be implementing some response equipment that is specifically designed for active shootings.”
In an interview with Troy.Today, Beaudry said, “The surge in violent gun-related incidents on other campuses led us to conduct an internal security audit.”
“In the course of the audit, several deficiencies were identified, including a lack of responsive and protective equipment and video surveillance at specific locations.”
As law enforcement agencies across the country work to combat security risks, especially at schools, Beaudry told the Tropolitan any support is greatly appreciated.
“This funding goes a long way to provide a safer community for us here at Troy and absolutely without the help of Senator Tuberville we may not have had that opportunity,” Beaudry said.
A UTV will also be added to TUPD’s fleet so officers can provide a rapid response to areas they might not be able to access with a motor vehicle.
Veterans Memorial Stadium will receive 12 new cameras. Those cameras will be distributed throughout Tailgate Terrace and the stadium concourse.
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