The University of Kentucky Police have announced additional security measures on campus after an increase in shootings and other safety concerns in the areas around campus, Police Chief Joe Monroe said Friday.
Changes include adding additional police patrols and lighting, and restricting access to some campus garages at night and on weekends.
Several shootings have been reported this semester near the university, especially around the north side of campus, where several residence halls and main campus buildings are located.
No shootings have been reported on campus, but the UKPD is “taking a more aggressive approach in terms of how we’re going to secure our campus borders,” Monroe said at a news conference Friday morning.
Early on Sunday morning, shots were fired at the Raising Canes on South Upper Street, prompting a warning advising British students to avoid the area. No injuries have been reported.
In September, shots were fired at Winslow Street and South Limestone, prompting a similar warning.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at the University of Kentucky,” Monroe said. “The university will invest the necessary resources to ensure safety in this area and is working with partners in the city of Lexington to protect the UK community both on and off campus, where many students live and work.”
The UKPD will have an increased police presence on the North Campus, with additional officers patrolling the area by bike, foot and car on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monroe said.
This weekend, temporary floodlights will be installed on Winslow Street, and UKPD is investigating where to install additional permanent lighting, cameras and emergency call towers, which can be used to immediately call police from campus.
The university will also begin restricting access to parking garages and parking lots on campus and at UK hospitals, including the Cornerstone garage and the Good Samaritan Hospital garage. They used to be open to the public at night and on weekends, but that will no longer be the case, Monroe said.
Additionally, the university has partnered with a professional campus security group, Allied Universal, “to enhance security in and around our on-campus residence halls.”
“We will continue to evaluate our responses and adjust accordingly,” Monroe said. “This will not be tolerated on our campus or on our campus, so we are taking a very aggressive approach to ensure we keep our campus safe.”
About a dozen new officers have been added to the UKPD in the past year, allowing for additional patrols, Monroe said.
UKPD works closely with the Lexington Police Department, Monroe said.
The area around Limestone Street has been a particular concern for officers over the past 12 to 18 months, he said.
