In wake of Laken Riley death, UGA announces new security measures ready for fall semester

The University of Georgia released a statement Thursday announcing that new security measures are in place for the upcoming fall semester.

The measures include more security cameras, new lighting, emergency call stations and automatic license plate readers, the latter which is expected to record all vehicles entering and leaving campus property.

“The university’s $7.3 million investment in new security initiatives this year adds to the more than $16 million in campus security measures enacted during the past eight years” bringing the total package to more than $23 million, according to the statement.

More: UGA announces $7.3 million in campus security enhancements in wake of Laken Riley's death

The added security measures were first announced in February following the Feb. 22 slaying of Laken Riley on UGA property. Riley, an Augusta University nursing student matriculating at the school's Athens campus, was taking a morning jog at the intramural fields when she was brutally attacked and slain. The suspect, Jose Ibarra , 26, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, is in jail awaiting trial.

UGA officials announced that the package of safety enhancements for campus are now mostly in place. Classes for the fall semester begin on Aug. 14.

The money for the measures came from several public and private sources including the UGA Parents Leadership Council, UGA Foundation, President’s Venture Fund, and the UGA Athletic Association.

“In addition to enhancing security, these investments demonstrate the depth of our commitment to protect our campus community,” Daniel Silk, the university’s associate vice president for public safety, said in a statement released with the news. Silk is overseeing implementation of the measures.

New safety measures at UGA campus

• Campus Safety Ambassadors: These people, while not police officers, provide an after-hours presence in areas where students congregate and walk on campus. They will be available to escort students to locations and will have radio communications with police.
• UGA Safe App: The university is encouraging all students, parents, faculty and staff to acquire the UGA Safe App. Among its features are a mobile blue light, which immediately calls UGA police and shows the student’s location; a Friend Walk, which gives a students’ location to a friend; and, the Contact Police feature which allows a student to immediately report a concern to police.
• Enhanced Lighting: Lighting upgrades have been installed during the summer including at crosswalks and near residence halls. Also, nearly 400 lights were converted to LED technology to provide brighter light.
• Automated License Plate Readers: Twenty automated license plate readers will be placed at strategic locations to enhance the existing security camera system. Currently there are more than 500 cameras monitoring locations on campus. The new cameras increase the likelihood that any vehicles entering or leaving the campus will have the plates recorded.
• Emergency Call Stations: A new call box system will offer more capabilities including security cameras, more lighting, and a Wi-Fi connection to a wireless network.
• New Fences: Fencing is being erected at several sections on campus with signage showing the area is protected by camera coverage.
• UGA Ride Smart: This program provides a 50% discount on Lyft rides for UGA students. It is being extended to cover times from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The program provides for safer travel on campus and in the greater Athens area, officials said.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: In wake of Laken Riley death, UGA announces new security measures ready for fall semester