UToledo Police Prioritize Campus Safety, Community Engagement

UToledo Police Prioritize Campus Safety, Community Engagement

The University of Toledo Police Department is investing in new technologies and community engagement efforts to connect with students as they return to campus for the fall semester.

The department recently acquired a portable camera trailer that will supplement the network of 30 Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras installed at the entrances and exits of Main Campus and Health Science Campus in 2023.

The camera network, which can only be accessed for law enforcement purposes, is a valuable tool in crime prevention and investigation on campus. The new trailer enhances the existing network by expanding coverage of specific areas like parking lots and improving the security infrastructure on campus during special events like home football games, graduation ceremonies and concerts.

At the same time, the department is preparing to expand its network of CCTV cameras with 19 new cameras that are being installed during fall semester across Main Campus and Health Science Campus. The CCTV cameras are supported by a state-funded $225,000 Campus Safety Grant.

The UToledo Police Department is the only university-affiliated law enforcement agency accredited through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, which recognizes agencies that voluntarily meet or exceed nearly three dozen state standards reflecting excellence in policy, training and accountability.

The new security infrastructure complements additional proactive measures that the police department undertakes to keep students, faculty and staff safe on campus, including 24/7 patrols of residence halls, academic buildings and parking lots.

"The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority," UToledo Police Chief Rodney Theis said. "Our officers are committed to both infrastructure and proactive policy to keep our community safe on campus, which is a key reason UToledo outperforms larger public institutions of higher education when it comes to campus safety. Our new equipment continues these efforts by both helping us to prevent crime and to quickly respond and thoroughly investigate when an incident does occur."

The UToledo Police Department also is organizing three community engagement events this fall, reflecting the importance of strong relationships and open communication to foster a safe campus. Pizza with the Police events invite students to interact with officers in a relaxed and welcoming environment:

• Thursday, Sept. 18, at Carlson Library in partnership with Student Government

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Honors Academic Village in partnership with Residence Life

• Thursday, Oct. 23, at Parks Tower in partnership with Residence Life

"Pizza with the Police gives students the chance to ask safety-related questions, share feedback and get to know our officers outside of emergency or enforcement contexts," Theis said. "We're looking forward to meeting our new and returning students."