Linfield University continues to find ways to improve safety on its campus in McMinnville. A $137,132 grant received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security helped Linfield purchase 28 new cameras for the McMinnville campus.
The grant covers a majority of the $148,000 cost to install the new cameras and associated infrastructure. Linfield will cover the remaining balance. Installation is expected to be completed in March 2022.
“The additional security cameras enhance our existing system and procedures and will greatly simplify a search for a specific person or vehicle,” said Dennis Marks, director of Linfield Public Safety (LPS).
The surveillance system, purchased from Avigilon, sends real-time notifications to on-duty LPS officers of any unusual activity in any camera views on campus. LPS officers should be able to review the suspicious activity on their mobile device and respond as necessary. Existing on-campus security cameras will also be incorporated into the new system. The software that comes with the cameras can sift through hours of recorded video in a matter of minutes.
The new cameras are being installed at entry points for buildings, primary gathering or movement areas and bike shelters, among other locations.
In addition to the new equipment on the McMinnville campus, Linfield installed a new surveillance system at the Portland campus in 2021. Thirty interior and exterior security and surveillance cameras were installed throughout the 20-acre campus.
More information about safety at Linfield’s campuses is online at linfield.edu/safety.
