Parking Services has installed “NuPark” this semester, a new monitoring system that will increase efficiency and security at the school’s gates and parking areas.
The “NuPark” system is meant to make citation enforcement easier and more effective. Cameras will be installed at both the front and back gates, helping the system monitor vehicle’s permits and where they are parked.
Ann Szipszky, the school’s parking service manager, explained how the cameras work and what effect they will have on parking monitoring.
“The fixed cameras will scan the license plates of every vehicle entering and exiting campus.” Szipszky said. “Our mobile enforcement unit will drive through the deck and parking lots and will tell the Public Safety officers if vehicles have the necessary permits was well as whether or not the vehicle is parked in the correct area.”
“They will have the ability to issue citations and take pictures of the offending vehicle.” Szipszky said. “This system will allow our officers to patrol the lots more quickly and efficiently.”
When asked whether the system will improve the overall security of the parking spaces, Szipszky said, “I believe the system will help the entire university. We will know which vehicles are on campus at any given time and for those found in violation, we will have pictures and the exact location of where they were parked.”
The student community seems to have mixed opinions on the new system.
Michael Daly, a freshman visual and sound media major, said: "I would say it is beneficial because it allows public safety to keep a track of who’s entering and exiting the university, and it helps the overall security of the University. Although it may cost money, it is meant to protect the people of the University.”
In regards to how cameras can improve security on campus, Christian Gardner, a freshman visual and sound media major, said: “I don’t think the cameras would add that much security, given that it seems that most people are allowed on campus anyway.”
Emilio Garcia Rodriguez can be reached at emilio.garciarodriguez@student.shu.edu.
