Public Safety Equipment for University Law Enforcement

In 2023, there were 3 separate mass shooting incidents on college campuses in the United States. Incidents of other gun related crimes have also increased substantially on campuses. The surege in violent gun related incidents led the Troy University Police Department (TUPD) to conduct an internal security audit. During the audit, several deficiencies were discovered including a lack of responsive and protective equipment and video surveillance ability at specific campus locations. TUPD’s goal with this grant is to obtain law enforcement equipment necessary for officer safety should a response to an active shooting incident be needed.  To meet this need, response kits equipped with ballistic vests and ballistic helmets for each TUPD officer and four gun safes, to be secured at various tactical locations on campus, are requested. Each safe will be equipped with a patrol rifle, ammunition, and a ballistic vest. The safes will provide an opportunity for officers who are on foot to respond directly to campus threats without having to return to a vehicle for equipment. A CCTV system is currently in use on campus that primarily covers the residential areas, however, the largest event gathering area, “The Vet” football stadium, does not have any type of camera system that can be monitored to ensure the safety of the 30,000 plus guests on gamedays or any of the other large-scale events hosted within the stadium throughout the year. Grant funds will be used to place high resolution cameras throughout the stadium which will enable real time event monitoring capability, and follow-up with recordings as needed for investigations. In addition to these static cameras, a mobile camera trailer will be purchased to use anywhere on campus as needed for special events. The camera trailer will also provide real time viewing capability. Currently, the TUPD does not possess a small all terrain vehicle; this type of vehicle is often needed for quick response to congested areas during special events and emergencies on campus. This grant project includes the purchase of an ATV to be used for rapid response calls. Every aspect of this project involves equipping and preparing TUPD officers to provide a higher level of safety for the students, faculty, staff, and guests of Troy University.