Temple University announces update on safety measures after recent shootings near campus
NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Temple University held a press conference Friday morning to inform the community on its updated safety measures.
Recently, two shootings occurred near the campus. One of the two happened on the 1600 block of North Broad Street in front of a T-Mobile store. During the incident, one man was shot twice in the left hand.
A few weeks back, gunshots also rang out a couple blocks from campus striking several cars.
During the press conference, Vice President for Public Safety, Dr. Jennifer Griffin discussed the more than 60 recommendations they received after the release of their 21CP Solutions Public Safety audit, six months ago.
24-year-old man shot twice in the hand near Temple University, police say
Philadelphia police are looking for a suspect they say shot a 24-year-old man twice in front of a T-Mobile store near Temple University.
Many of the solutions to those recommendations have already been completed or are in progress, including Park and Walks, which increases foot patrols within the university’s Patrol Zone.
Temple police officer, Demetrius McCain, said, "It gives a form of comfort and safety to know the officers are around and know that you can actually see them."
They say about 130 additional hours of foot patrols monthly are now being performed, due to Park and Walks. Other recommendations can be tracked with their new Safety Initiatives Dashboard.
The university also recently announced it partnered with Uber to offer free rides to students in effort to make them feel safer.
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Seeing cops on campus is believing in safety, Griffin argues, "We want officers to be on the ground level, to engage people quickly, to decrease the opportunity for violence and gun violence."
Griffin is working to change the perception that the North Philly public institution of 34,000 students is unsafe for students and staff.
MORE RELATED COVERAGE:
- Temple hosts forum on gun violence following shooting death of Sam Collington
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Temple has seen trouble.
November of 2021, student Sam Collington was unloading his car after Thanksgiving when he was shot and killed.
In February, Temple officer Christopher Fitzgerald was slain in a struggle with a suspect. The uproar in part forced Temple's president to resign.
Security Chief Griffin says Temple has added more cops, better pay, more cameras and says the university is not alone. "It’s a citywide issue. It’s a nationwide issue that we’re all trying to leverage our resources for."
"Feel safe on campus?" FOX 29’s Jeff Cole posed to a student.
"Not really, to be honest," Priscilla Varughese replied. "I’m only a freshman, but I get so many messages already about shootings and stuff."
On a warm Friday, in the heart of campus, safety seems of no concern. And, opinions are mixed.
"It’s been pretty good police presence. I see them all around when I’m going to Maxie’s late night for a slice. They’ve got my back so, overall, doing a pretty good job," sophomore Jake Steinke said.
Earlier Friday, Vice President of Public Safety of Temple University, Dr. Jennifer Griffin, sat with FOX 29’s Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick to talk about changes and upgrades to campus security.