New Security Measures In Place As Point Park Freshmen Move In

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - College students continue to pack the Pittsburgh area for the start of a new school year.

Hundreds of freshmen set up shop on the campus of Point Park University today.

This year's freshman class is made up of more than 600 students from 36 states and 10 countries.

About 200 administrators, staff, faculty and students helped with move-in day.

University police officers were also on hand to welcome the students and to talk about some new changes to campus security.

"I'm excited, I'm a little tired, have to get up for the first time, getting up a little early compared to the rest of summer vacation, but I'm excited for the next four years," Garrett Behanna said.

Something new this school year is that the department's 13 officers are wearing body cameras.

"It's just an extra set of eyes, it's an extra tool for the officer's tool belt," Point Park University Police Lt. Nicholas Black said.

The officers have been equipped with the new gear since Aug. 1.

"If you come to work and you do what you are supposed to do and you do your job correct, then you shouldn't have any issue with the body camera. It's actually a positive tool because you can, you know, reiterate what you expressed or what took place during your incident," Lt. Black said.

Gabby Marrero is a freshman at the university from a smaller town outside of Lancaster.

"It's going to take some adjusting, but I think I'll like it, I've always liked big cities," she said.

Her mother, Trina, said safety in the city was a big concern when initially researching Point Park University.

She said she's in favor of any added security steps, like the body cameras.

"There's always concerns, I just told her make sure you walk with two people or in a group and don't go by yourself anywhere. So, we'll see, there is always a concern," Trina said.

Upperclassmen move in this Saturday. The good news for drivers is there won't be any road restrictions, according to campus officials.

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