One of the software’s developers, Abish Malik, says the program gives police more information about the variables they face in any given situation.
“Predicting crime is one of the most challenging problems that you’ll ever face. There are so many dynamic things happening at the same time simultaneously, so we really need dominant expertise and dominant knowledge — you have to bring that into the equation,” Malik said.
Purdue Police Capt. Eric Chin said the program doesn’t replace traditional policing, but it “allows us to patrol smarter.”
The program was financed through a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Purdue’s efforts are hardly the first time colleges have utilized technology to boost security on and around campus. The University of Missouri, just last month, announced the school would use beacons and a computer software program to notify the campus community during emergency situations.
They use strobes and sounds to get people’s attention, and then alert messages will be displayed on a screen, university spokesman Christian Basi said.
MU also has been working on a program that will allow specific administrators to take over computer screens to display alert messages, said Terry Robb, director of information technology.
See also:
- Research: Social media has negative impact on academic performance - April 2, 2020
- Number 1: Social media has negative impact on academic performance - December 31, 2014
- 6 reasons campus networks must change - September 30, 2014