The University of Georgia approved safety measures totaling more than $7.3 million, according to a UGA Media Relations press release on Tuesday. This announcement follows Wyatt Banks’ and Laken Riley’s death, which were unrelated incidents, on UGA’s campus.
Measures included adding more crosswalks in high traffic areas, converting 400 lights to brighter LED technology, more cameras and license plate readers, a permanent 20% increase to the UGAPD budget for recruitment and the installation of combined security camera-blue light box systems. The RideSmart program, which provides a 50% discount on Lyft rides for UGA students, will also extend its operation periods by four hours to between 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“The protection of our students, faculty and staff at the University of Georgia is always top of mind for me and our senior administration, and we are continually evaluating our safety programs,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said in the release.
Basic call boxes alone do not inherently contribute to a safer environment, according to the release and existing research. So, the new blue light boxes combine security cameras and additional lighting. They will be placed strategically around campus, the release said.
An anonymous female UGA student started a petition for the installation of emergency blue lights on UGA’s campus following the homicide of Laken Riley. The petition had received over 25,000 signatures at the date of publication.
Additionally, new perimeter fencing will be put up in multiple areas around campus, and new signage will be mounted to ensure those that enter campus know there is “robust security camera coverage,” the release said.
At popular night time sites, like the Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Tate Student Center, UGA Libraries and Ramsey Student Center, safety and security personnel aim to enhance their presence. UGA Libraries security will facilitate “round-the-clock” presence in all facilities, with the UGA Main Library and McBay Science Library limiting access in the evenings to UGA students, faculty and staff.
UGA has invested over $23 million to safety and security enhancements during the past eight years, according to the release. The new investments, as well as previously approved measures, are funded by state resources and private contributions from UGA Parents Leadership Council, the UGA Foundation, the President’s Venture Fund, the Georgia Athletic Association and other internal and external partners, said the release.
The UGA Safe app remains a feature that the university asks parents and students to use for safety precautions. It includes a Mobile Bluelight that will immediately contact UGAPD and share the user’s location, a Friend Walk feature and a Chat with Police feature that allows students to report concerns to UGAPD.
