Drake University Increases Presence of Law Enforcement on Campus
Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is increasing its safety and security protocols by increasing law enforcement presence on campus after the third robbery near campus in the past month.
- By Jessica Davis
- November 06, 2018
Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is increasing its safety and security protocols by increasing law enforcement presence on campus after the third robbery near campus in the past month.
Two students were robbed at gunpoint near campus Thursday night. Neither student was physically injured, but both their wallets were taken.
According to Drake University President Marty Martin, this is the third robbery to occur near the campus in the last four weeks.
One of the previous incidents took place Oct. 22, when a tip jar was stolen by a group of young men from a Mexican food restaurant. According to police reports, an employee was assaulted by the group when he tried to retrieve the tips, and one of the male juveniles allegedly threatened to shoot the employee if they were stopped.
"We are going to add to our around-the-clock, seven days a week coverage by our campus public safety officers by having more of them on duty at any given time," Marin said.
In addition to increasing police presence, Drake University will also expand service hours for its SafeRide program and continue to improve lighting and security cameras on campus.
"Drake has hired off-duty Des Moines Police Department officers to provide extra security, and our patrol officers have increased patrols in the area," said Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesman for the DMPD.
The most recent robbery was recorded on a nearby security camera, and footage and all related information have been turned over to the DMPD for use in their investigation.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.