San Jose State Installs New Gunshot Detection System, Surveillance

San Jose State University is reviewing their newly installed security system that includes gunshot detection and license plate readers.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Oct 25, 2017

San Jose State University is stepping up its security with newly installed features that aim to keep students feeling safe and the campus more secure.

Campus police say they have recently installed gunshot detection on light poles as well as security cameras with license plate readers in the parking garages as an added layer of security for the campus.

The light grey boxes fixed to light poles first gave students a reason to be hesitant, but after they learned they were part of the new security system they felt happy to see additional security features used on campus.

Police hope that the gunshot detection system will not have to be used, but felt the need to have them installed based on tragic events on campuses and in cities around the country.

The security cameras in the parking garages were welcomed by students who did not feel safe walking through them alone at night. The added security and license plate reader feature will help police to identify suspects as well as keep a record of who is entering and exiting the parking garages.

Police hope to integrate chemical detection into the security system in the near future to help pick up and notify officials of toxins in the air.