UK Police roll out new technology for campus safety, including drones and an app
The University of Kentucky announced new safety initiatives for the upcoming school year, including using drones for responding to calls and an app for students.
A mobile police unit will be stationed on North Campus, near the Good Samaritan Hospital, where UKPD has seen an increase in calls in recent years, said UK Police Chief Joe Monroe.
UK will also utilize a new first responder drone program, which will deploy drones to security concerns across campus within 90 seconds of a report.
Additionally, security at residence halls will be increased with cameras and access controls.
“We are really building a layered approach to safety for our campus,” Monroe said at a press conference Thursday.
Drones, along with 4,000 cameras across campus, will allow police to see and address safety concerns quickly, in some cases faster than an officer can get to the scene, Monroe said.
Once deployed, the drones will send video footage to the UKPD security operations center and officers. Drones may be used for incidents like disorderly conduct, domestic disagreements or missing people on campus, Monroe said.
“With this, it’ll help us put eyes in the sky very quickly, even at night with thermal imaging,” Monroe said.
UK’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 25.
Addressing safety concerns on the north side of campus
Monroe said the north side of campus, along Limestone where multiple bars and late night spots are located, has become a “hot spot” for crime and other safety concerns.
Last year, as part of enhanced security measures following a series of shootings near campus, temporary floodlights were added along Winslow Street as the university assessed where to add additional lighting and emergency call towers. This year, permanent lighting will be added along Winslow and Scott streets.
UKPD will also increase overnight patrols, and utilize officers on foot, bikes and vehicles to increase visibility.
“It was to the point where it was alarming to me, and we had to take action,” Monroe said. “And with that, this is what spurred a lot of these programs and initiatives that focus on that North Campus area first, because that’s our priority, where most of our calls are coming from.”
Additionally, UK is utilizing the SafeZone app, which students and staff can download. On the app, students can request emergency assistance, submit anonymous tips and request a virtual police escort, which allows people to notify police if they are walking across campus and would like someone to be aware of their location.
While using the app, there is an option to notify police if an emergency situation arises.
“Safety is not just a goal, it’s our main goal, but it’s also a shared responsibility,” Monroe said. “Safety on our campus is a responsibility for everybody, whether you’re a student, a staff member, a faculty member or the police department, we are all in this together to create a safe environment.”