February 27, 2020
Today, the UT System Board of Regents approved new funding for public safety and security measures at UT Austin, focused on the West Campus area adjacent to our campus. This will include the hiring of 11 additional UT police officers and two additional police sergeants, as well as investments in cameras and other technology solutions, vehicles and equipment.
We are taking these actions because there has been an uptick in violent crime in Austin during recent months. Thousands of UT students live and congregate in West Campus, and many students and employees travel through the area to get to class and work. I am grateful for Chairman Kevin Eltife and the Board of Regents’ support for enhancing UT’s safety and security in this neighborhood next to our campus.
The university has been working closely with the Austin Police Department to coordinate our efforts. APD has been a good partner, as has the Texas Department of Public Safety, in monitoring safety and adjusting policing. We look forward to continued collaboration with both police forces as we make security improvements for our university community.
Sincerely,
Gregory L. Fenves
President