DENVER — Denver International Airport (DIA) could soon receive an upgrade to their security system at all parking lots.
The project will include data storage equipment that will be needed for the 213 new high-resolution cameras that will be used around the airport's parking lots.
“They will provide excellent details in low light conditions, and it also allows us to have very good surveillance in darkness,” said Mark Nagel, senior vice president for parking and transportation at DIA.
Currently, there are 10 cameras at the airport that directly focus on the parking lots, plus additional cameras around the airport to get views of the parking garage and lots.
“They’re probably 10-15 years old at this point, and the technology has changed so much," Nagel said. "This gives us the ability to improve those cameras and get better surveillance.”
According to Nagel, the old cameras have poor quality, especially at night and there’s not enough surveillance coverage in the parking lots for the amount of passengers the airport sees every year.
“The biggest thing was that we didn’t have adequate coverage, so this will allow us to cover every square foot of the parking lot.” Nagel said.
The storage equipment will help Denver Police, on-site security and airport officials keep videos and additional information for any ongoing investigations, such as vandalism, stolen cars and break-ins.
In addition to storage, the new cameras will be able to capture suspicious activity, such as vandalism, break-ins, and stolen cars in pitch black conditions.
“It’s unfortunate that we have any stolen vehicles at the airport," Nagel said. "We have worked really hard with our partner, Denver Police, and airport security to increase patrol. Not only through the city but through the state, so we really have put a focus effort to reduce auto thefts."
Nagel said all recorded events will be stored in the system for 30 days.
The airport shared this statement with 9NEWS:
“DEN continues to add cameras to our parking lots to expand our ability to monitor and work with security personnel and law enforcement to deter illegal behavior within the lots. This project is adding 213 cameras between the East and West Economy, Pikes Peak and Longs Peak parking lots. The additional cameras require added data storage due to the high resolution of the cameras and the data requirements of the video captured. The item before City Council is a purchase order for the one-time purchase of data storage equipment. The expanded data storage needs outlined in the resolution request will allow DEN to retain the data of recorded events for investigative purposes.”
Airport officials are still finalizing the design for the high-quality camera.
Both the storage and new cameras could be available mid-July 2025.
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