The University of Memphis unveiled its new University Crime Information Center which will operate year-round to enhance campus safety.
In a statement released by the university, the center is “technology infused” and will provide “real-time data” which will allow university police to be proactive in stopping crime. The center will feature 24/7 monitoring, the ability to locate someone on campus by description, issue suspicious activity alerts, and provide virtual escorting.
“The mission of our University Crime Information Center is to provide our agency with the ability to capitalize on a wide and expanding range of internal technologies which allows for efficient and effective policing for our university community,” University of Memphis Police Chief Keith Humphrey said. “The center will be a repository for our technology resources that are utilized to ensure the safety of our campus.”
The center will be staffed 24/7 year-round with security specialists. Humphrey said this will aid in Police Services commitment to being transparent and “delivering unbiased, procedural justice.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) 2023 Crime on Campus report showed a majority of crimes committed on campus were larceny and theft. There were a total of 105 offenses reported to the university and only five of those (4.8 percent) were cleared.
Destruction and vandalism were the second largest category with 98 offenses and a 6.1 percent clearance rate.
Last year, the Tennessee Legislature passed a recommendation from Governor Bill Lee that allowed the University of Memphis to receive $5.488 million for campus safety and security upgrades. This was a non-recurring investment that was to be used during fiscal year 2023.
The university used the money to upgrade and install LED lighting, perimeter fencing, intelligent camera installations and more.
