Duke now has security cameras at the entrance and exit of every residence hall, according to administration.
Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration, wrote to The Chronicle that the effort to deploy what is now more than 1,300 cameras across campus began three years ago and was completed last summer. There are no cameras within dorm halls, Cavanaugh added.
"Over the past several years, as part of a ongoing and comprehensive approach to security and safety, enhancements to cameras has been a core component," Cavanaugh wrote.
The slew of cameras that have been installed on campus have been crucial in serving as a deterrent, and campus security cameras helped identify the man accused of sexually battery of two female students in September, Cavanaugh noted.
Security footage with his image was released to the public before he was identified and charged with the crimes.
Gustavo Antonio Velasquez Silva, 21, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery after allegedly touching two female students inappropriately. The incidents were reported individually and allegedly occurred around 9 p.m. near Campus Drive Sept. 18. Silva was released from Durham County Detention Center after posting $6,000 bond Sept. 21.
He was previously released on bond following a driving while impaired arrest Sept. 9 in Chapel Hill, just more than a week prior to the alleged sexual battery incidents. The earlier charges included "impaired driving DWI," "resisting arrest" and willful "vandalism/damage to property," according to a Chapel Hill Police Department report. Silva allegedly crashed into a brick wall and attempted to flee by foot, causing an estimated $5,000 in damage, according to the report.
Silva posted $1,500 bond and was released from detention Sept. 9, the Orange County Sheriff's Office told The Chronicle. The report says the incident occurred at the 100 block of Chapel Hill's Henderson Street and East Franklin Street. Silva is slated to make a court appearance Nov. 13 in Orange County with regards to the Chapel Hill charges and Nov. 7 in Durham.
When asked if there were plans to add more cameras, Cavanaugh said that Duke is "constantly evaluating potential need."
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