Safety Updates & Resources

(May 9, 2023)

Safety Lighting

Newly acquired trailer-mounted light towers have been strategically placed around campus for increased safety and security. Until permanent solutions to replace light equipment are in place, the UofM will be using the light towers to augment lighting for the following areas:

• Lot 20 – Brad Martin Wellness Center east side of Parking Lot
• Lot 34 – Central Avenue Centennial Place west Parking Lot
• Lot 38 – Central Avenue Information Center
• Lot 44 – Central Avenue north of the Scheidt Performing Arts Center
• Lot 64 – Park Avenue Campus Athletic Facilities Parking

Existing light towers are also being used as needed when outages are reported.

University of Memphis 2022 Crime on Campus Ranking

The main impact to campus crime for the University of Memphis has been motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle parts, as well as larceny and vandalism that is vehicle related. The UofM was ranked fourth overall among large campuses. The full TBI report can be found by clicking here.

Lake Forest Group — Security and Safety Assessment Update

The Lake Forest Group was provided information on policies, procedures and critical functions related to security and safety for the University. Lake Forest Group has determined focal areas to examine over the next several months for recommendations or to validate best practices for safety and security.

As part of the Security and Safety Assessment, questionnaires and interviews have been completed between the Lake Forest Group and University representatives from Information Technology, Human Resources, Physical Plant and Police Services.

Additional questionnaires and interviews with key personnel, including Campus Planning, Housing & Residence Life, Academic Affairs and Risk Management will be completed in the next few weeks. This process ensures Lake Forest Group has a complete understanding of operations, potential issues, needs or concerns.

(April 24, 2023)

Lake Forest Group Assessment

The University has engaged a globally recognized firm — Lake Forest Group — to develop and implement a comprehensive safety strategy for the University. Lake Forest Group will assess Police Services, Campus Planning & Design and Risk Management at the UofM. The assessment is taking place from April-September 2023.

Assesment timeline:

• April 1 | Kick-off Meeting
• April 1-May 15 | Document Request
• May 1-June 1 | Data Collection, Statistical Analysis and Staff Interviews
• May 15-July 15 | Site Surveys and Report Writing
• July 15-August 15 | Draft Assessment
• August 15-September 1 | Final Assessment
• September 1 | Project Briefing

(April 20, 2023)

UofM to Receive $5.488 Million for Campus Safety & Security from the State of Tennessee

The University of Memphis will receive $5.488 million earmarked for campus safety and security upgrades this fiscal year after Gov. Bill Lee’s recommendation passed the State of Tennessee Legislature Wednesday at the State Capitol. The $5.488 million in funds will be utilized as:

• $2.193 million for upgrade and installation of LED Lighting
• $1.46 million for perimeter fencing and parking lot access control
• $773,000 for intelligent camera installations
• $750,000 for a comprehensive notification system
• $312,000 for mobile trailers and patrol vehicle replacements

Click here for more information >

(April 17, 2023)

Everbridge Crisis Management Replacing LiveSafe

Everbridge Crisis Management will be replacing LiveSafe as the University's primary emergency communication system.  Everbridge will orchestrate all crisis response activities, teams and resources to accelerate critical event recovery times and allow the UofM to continue prioritizing your safety and security.

Risk Management, Police Services and Information Technology Services are currently working with Everbridge to follow their implementation and onboarding best practice guidance. Mark Heath, Executive Director of Safety, Business Continuity and Risk Management, is serving as the customer project lead and collaborating with Police Services, ITS and others for system operations, branding, contact data and IT requirements to complete implementation and onboarding objectives.

Other Everbridge customers include the City of Memphis, the Tennessee Health Department, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Harvard University, Vanderbilt University and Mississippi State University.

Updates to the implementation process include: 

• 24,536 users have been pre-loaded into the ENS software as the University will utilize Everbridge under “opt-out” provisions to enable and promote mass notification for the Campus Community.
• Everbridge will pair with SnapComms to replace Alertus for video display and desktop “override” for messaging as part of a tiered approach for notifications via text, email, phone and voice. This will allow for a streamlined process to notify our campuses of situations or events in a quick and effective manner.
• Parents will also be provided with a link to subscribe to the Everbridge ENS services for awareness of situations or events on UofM campuses.
• Projected go-live date for Everbridge/SnapComms — June 15, 2023.