IN RESPONSE TO LEGITIMATE CONCERN ON CAMPUS SAFETY THE UPD HAS REACHED OUT AND WORKED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE STUDENT BODY VERY WELL! HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO INCREASE SECURITY AROUND CAMPUS...;

 

12 December 2011- Response from :

Captain Jeff Holcomb

University of Florida Police Department

Community Services Division

" I would like to take a moment to mention a meeting I attended with her this afternoon on the recent crime activity near campus.

 

The chief and I met with the Anthony Reynolds, the UF Student Body President as well as Dr. Nancy Crystal-Green, Director of Student Activities and Involvement and Bob Miller, Interim Vice President for Business Affairs.  The meeting discussed recent crimes occurring in close proximity to campus and involving students.  Several safety measures were mentioned that had already been increased and other areas are being considered.

 

Immediately after the most recent crime was reported, the University of Florida Police Department increased its presence on sorority row.  Normally, one patrol officer is assigned to sorority row every evening that the sorority houses are occupied.  We have added an officer on foot as well as one on bike during the night time hours for a total of three officers on the row nightly.  We are also increasing foot patrols during the day on sorority row.  The Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, that provides escorts on campus is now providing door to door escorts on sorority row.  Prior to this weekend, there were 2 general pick up locations on sorority row.

 

The Gainesville Police Department is also assigning their Holiday Unit to increase patrols in this area.

 

Discussions of security enhancements discussed during the meeting included the possibly adding more emergency phones in the area.  The development of a volunteer program comprised of student groups to provide nighttime walking escorts was also discussed. 

 

While this information doesn’t cover all details of the meeting, I did want to  ensure you that the safety and security of our students is the primary goal of our department.  We will continue to work with our community to meet this goal. "