Campus police at the University of Illinois are testing an iPhone app that lets them keep an eye on students that puts security cam footage at their fingertips via iPhones and iPods.
They’re using an app called iRa C3, a video command center designed for security personnel and first responders that can be accessed via web interface, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Cost is based on the number of cameras and users; the campus set-up of 15 cameras covered in high-risk crime areas cost $25,000. (Or it would have: app maker Lextech lab, founded by alumnus Alex Bratton took $15,000 off the price, a parent’s group ponied up the other $10,000).
Officers log on to the wireless service via iPhone or iPod Touch with a username and password. The app allows them to zoom and tilt, but it does not record live footage.
Detective Tim Hetrick of University police is hopeful that the technology will give University Police an edge over other departments, as well as increase campus safety.
“Everyone is aware that we’ve had several assaults lately on campus,” he said. “We want to combine this (application) with a group of cameras on exterior locations around campus to combat that problem.”
After six month’s testing, the tech department of the university is confident that the system is hacker proof:
“CITES (Campus Information Technologies and Educational Services) spent the last six months testing the application making sure it’s safe and secure so that we didn’t have to worry about anybody going in through a back door somewhere and looking for a way in to our recording servers,” Hetrick said.
Via Daily Illini
