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Dear Campus Community,
Over the past 5 years, we’ve made significant investments in new video technologies, improved lighting and the hiring of additional police officers to improve public safety of our campus. The well-being of our campus community is of paramount importance for us.
There have been recent incidents of violence in the areas surrounding our campus. While these events have occurred off campus, the University is part of the greater community. Therefore, we want to assure you that we are working collaboratively with the City of Columbia to deploy new resources to improve public safety. The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) will continue to conduct regular patrols of the university campus, providing a visible presence and timely responses to reported incidents. Going forward, Columbia Police Department (CPD) and MUPD will be adding additional patrols of the downtown area during critical periods. This partnership will highlight our presence, allow us to respond quickly to incidents, share information effectively and help prevent future incidents.
When there is an imminent threat to campus safety, we issue an MU Alert. Out of an abundance of caution, we also issue MU Alerts when there is a threat in the areas surrounding our campus that could impact our constituents. When an MU Alert is issued for a threat off campus, we will provide a link in the message to resources available through CPD for timely updates via news releases and on social media.
Please be reminded of the additional resources to help ensure your safety on campus and in the community:
- The Mizzou Safe app allows users to report tips to MUPD, make emergency calls and perform other functions that improve personal safety.
- MU Alert is Mizzou’s official emergency notification system that provides instructions during emergent situations that present a risk to safety on or near campus. We encourage everyone to sign up for MU Alert messages.
- The STRIPES program provides safe rides home to Mizzou students every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- MUPD offers free self-defense classes and active threat response training to help you feel more prepared and confident in emergency situations.
- Emergency “blue beacon” phones are located throughout campus and connect directly to MUPD – a reliable option if you don’t have access to a cell phone.
We can each play a part in creating a safer community. Stay alert, look out for one another and use the many resources available to you. By working together, we help keep Mizzou and Columbia safe for all.
Your input is important. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Mun Y. Choi, Ph.D.
President
Angela King Taylor, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs