Responding to an increase in reported crimes on and near the Milwaukee campus, Marquette University will institute new safety measures to protect the college community.
In a statement, Marquette University President Michael Lovell detailed five initiatives planned or already underway to enhance safety on the Wisconsin campus:
- Creating a Task Force on Community Safety: A group of university students, parents and community members headed by the Marquette University Police Department (MUPD) Chief Edith Hudson will develop short- and long-term plans to bolster campus safety.
- Hiring added campus police officers: A team of MUPD officers will patrol higher-risk areas, and the university will hire four additional officers to the department.
- Hiring more courtesy shuttle drivers: The campus provides a courtesy shuttle year-round to transport campus community members safely. The university will hire additional shuttle drivers in an effort to decrease response time and up availability.
- Foregrounding security through environmental design: Continuing a previously established program, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), the MUPD will assess additional opportunities for crime-deterring technology, such as lighting and surveillance cameras.
- Upgrading campus building access control: Marquette University will require swipe card access to enter campus buildings, including residence halls.
- Meeting with Milwaukee city officials and community leaders: The university will initiate and continue contact with the Milwaukee Mayor and Chief of Police in connection with their campus safety initiatives.
