HUNTSVILLE — In the wake of recent incidents on campus, the Alabama A&M University Department of Public Safety announced initiatives geared toward further enhancing safety and security.
As part of several added proactive measures, the university will have a K-9 officer on its staff. Trained to detect firearms and explosives, the K-9 officer recently visited campus for a demonstration and will report for duty this fall semester.
The university has also increased public safety visibility through campus.
The Department of Public Safety opened a substation inside Knight Complex – the first such satellite station on campus. Additionally, the university has partnered with a security contractor and has begun expanded patrols inside Knight Complex and Foster Complex during peak hours.
“These are important steps in continuing to increase our presence on campus,” said Chief Montez Payton. “We’ve had very positive responses to these changes so far as the entire campus community understands the importance of improving infrastructure to be both proactive and responsive to campus safety and emergencies.”
Last year, a $600,000 investment in campus safety and accountability brought body cameras, surveillance grid upgrades, and other enhancements to The Hill. Around campus currently, more outdoor cameras are being installed to broaden capacity to monitor activity in parking lots and other key areas.
“The safety and security of our campus is something we think about and work on constantly,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Braque Talley. “Our team will continue to focus on finding ways to meet the needs of an ever-growing campus while keeping students, staff and visitors safe.
“It takes all of us to protect The Hill.”
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