Community joins effort to fight crime around Ga. Tech

ATLANTA — Georgia Tech police are rolling out a new campus security plan on Monday on the heels of a spike in crime on and near campus that has renewed a campaign to allow students to carry guns on campus.

Already in place on campus is the Skycop video surveillance system, but police announced a new partnership with the business community, Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Police Department.

Campus police, along with Atlanta officers, will use a new car outfitted with five cameras and two radar units as part of the plan. The Dodge Charger Enforcer Two was paid for in part by Atlantic Station, the Midtown Alliance and the Atlanta Police Foundation.

Georgia Tech students Robert Eagar and Kyle Wilkins are trying to get other students to join their campaign, called Georgia Tech Students for Concealed Carry on Campus.

"When crime picked up on campus, I took it personally. If you are being threatened walking to and from your apartment when you should be concerned about your school work, that is a problem and that is something we need to work on," Eagar said.

Several weeks ago someone robbed three students off campus, and most recently, a man broke into a dorm and pointed a gun at a student's head before stealing his laptop and cellphone.

Having the right to carry a gun for protection is a top priority for the group.

"It gives you the element of, there is a chance the student is armed and that you gives you a bit more safety on campus," Eagar said.

WSBTV