Student Government and LSUPD are in the preliminary stages of installing license plate recognition systems around campus.
The recognition system would take a picture of every car’s license plate entering and leaving campus then send that information to a national database. If the plate has been involved in a crime, the database would then flag the car, and law enforcement will be
notified.
The idea was mentioned last week at the first SG senate meeting of the
semester.
Senator Adam Grashoff, a senior and chair of budget and appropriations, said that the recognition system would add another blanket of safety for students, faculty and
visitors.
Grashoff said both LSUPD and SG like the idea.
Makaila Santiago, biological engineering sophomore, said she doesn’t see the system as a big priority.
“I’d feel a little creeped out,” Santiago said. “They have all of my information.”
In a time of budget cuts and increasing tuition, Santiago said she wants to see the money put toward more financial aid options.
“LSU needs to focus on keeping kids in school,”
Santiago said.
Santiago also said she’s been safe on campus up to this point.
“It’s just little stuff like bike thefts,” she said.
SG President Clay Tufts, said LSUPD brought the idea to SG.
The recognition system is in planning stages and no funding has been addressed, said Grasshoff. The system is in discussion to be placed on either every road or major roads in and around
campus.
Tufts said that he will help LSUPD with any system funding issues.
“It’d be very useful for LSUPD,” Tufts said.
He said SG would be willing to spend money on public safety, calling the system a “major help for campus
safety.”
Ryan Riggs, economics sophomore, said he would like to see the funds go to the police instead of the license recognition system.
“Spend the money on more police officers or bike officers so they’re seen more.” Riggs said.
“I really don’t even pay that much attention to SG,” said history senior Preston
Valois.
Valois thinks the system will be good for security around campus.