April 19, 2016
Dear UT Community,
Maintaining a safe campus is a top priority at UT. University police and the Campus Safety and Security Office work hard to provide this and they coordinate closely with other university departments and outside law enforcement agencies. After the tragedy two weeks ago, I requested a review of safety and security at the university by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS review should identify additional measures to serve UT students, employees and visitors.
I want to thank DPS along with UTPD, Campus Safety and Security and UT staff members for beginning the review quickly. DPS expects to complete it by the end of August. At that time, I plan to implement the recommendations we receive.
I invite your comments about security on campus through UT’s BeSafe website. All feedback we receive will be shared with DPS.
DPS is reviewing security on the main campus as well as the J.J. Pickle Research Center in North Austin, graduate student housing, parking garages and other university-owned satellite facilities. Areas to be reviewed include:
· Mechanical and electronic security systems, including keys and electronic keys.
· Environmental design such as campus lighting, walls and landscaping.
· Security video monitoring systems.
· The role of security personnel, including commissioned law enforcement officers and noncommissioned staff.
As this review is getting underway, UTPD will maintain additional police patrols on campus.
In addition, students can request a UTPD van to drive them home between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. any evening by calling 512-471-4441, ext. 9, or request a safe walk through the SURE Walk program between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from Monday to Thursday by calling 512-232-9255.
Thank you for your cooperation and suggestions in improving safety at UT and your continued dedication to our campus community.
Sincerely,
Gregory L. Fenves