ISU’s Public Safety recognized as a spotlight department with International Association of Campus Law Information Administration

POCATELLO — Idaho State University’s Department of Public Safety has been recognized as a spotlight department by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administration.

“I am pleased with our staff and how everyone is coming together as a unified front,” Lewis Eakins, Director of Public Safety, said.

The department was recognized for its use of innovative technology. Public Safety was chosen from more than 500 institution members.

ISU’s Department of Public Safety has installed more than 700 indoor and outdoor cameras and more than 250 card access points that are all fully integrated. This system allows ISU dispatchers to conduct “video patrols” of ISU’s three campuses located in Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Meridian.

In the event of an active shooter, ISU dispatchers will be able to guide responding officers to the location of the shooter and to provide details as relates to the shooter’s physical description, weapon, and direction of travel, Eakins said. Dispatchers currently scan video when burglar alarms are activated for officer safety purposes. Video can be monitored from the dispatch center, the mobile command vehicle, and from portable devices.

“It’s important that our campus and peers know the steps we are going through to keep our campus safe,” Eakins said.