| Safety update
Last year, at the time when we first launched this electronic Parents Newsletter, we wrote to you about the tragic events at Virginia Tech University and the extensive, pro-active measures taken by Marquette to ensure the safety and security of our students. In this issue, we again remind parents and students of important safety information.
In the past week, Marquette has experienced four incidents of armed robbery in the near campus neighborhood, including a crime in which two students were transported to ATM machines and forced to remove cash before being released. A suspect has been arrested in that case, and a second known suspect is being sought. Law enforcement responded immediately to all of the incidents. The two students who were physically injured were taken to a local hospital, treated and released. More information about these incidents is available at the Department of Public Safety Web site.
Immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of Marquette students:
- Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and the Marquette Department of Public Safety immediately increased patrols near the Marquette campus.
- Four safety alerts were sent to all students, faculty and staff via email, informing students of the crimes, describing the suspects and their vehicles, and reminding students to follow basic safety precautions, including calling for a LIMO van ride or a Public Safety escort at night. Any additional public information about the crimes or their investigations will be shared with students.
- All incidents are being investigated aggressively by MPD, with full cooperation and support from Public Safety. In one case, Public Safety’s video surveillance cameras, of which there are more than 300 on and off campus, were able to provide footage of the vehicle that led to a suspect's arrest.
The safety and security of the Marquette community is the university’s highest priority. The Department of Public Safety is staffed 365 days per year, 24 hours per day, and is a highly trained, professional force that patrols the campus neighborhood in close cooperation with the Milwaukee Police Department.
Parents are encouraged to remind their children to take advantage of the extensive crime prevention and safety resources available on the Marquette campus, as well as basic common sense safety measures:
- Use the LIMO vans and Student Safety escorts. At Marquette, there is no reason for anyone to walk alone.
- Know the locations of blue light phones. The phones offer direct lines to Public Safety 24 hours a day. There are nearly 200 phones in the campus area, and they can be used even in non-emergency situations to contact Public Safety for any reason.
- Contact Public Safety if you observe suspicious people or vehicles in the area.
- At home, keep exterior doors locked at all times.
- Take advantage of Public Safety’s services for protection of property. Borrow an electronic engraver to make permanent identifying marks on stereos, televisions, computers and other valuables. Notify Public Safety of weekend or long-term absences from off-campus housing, so residences can be monitored when vacant.
- Park in well-lighted areas, put valuables in your trunk and lock your car.
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