Baylor University’s New Approaches to Campus Security
Baylor Police Chief Brad Wigtil has been working hard to improve the safety of everyone on campus
In 2014, Brad Wigtil was promoted to Baylor Police Chief. Since then, he’s made large strides in campus security improvements. In only a few years, he’s added 11 more officers and dispatchers to the department – which now totals 38 officers and 10 dispatchers.
There has also been an increase in technology used across campus for security purposes. Nearly 200 more cameras have been installed since 2014, and Wigtil plans on having 1,000 cameras up and running by fall 2017. Baylor is also using a mobile app, BU Campus Guardian, that allows users to quickly and easily call or text dispatchers.
Wigtil recently implemented a new Community Contact Program that encourages Baylor officers to interact with community members during their shift; this helps students become more comfortable and aware of the officers and safety while on campus.
Crime prevention initiatives are taken seriously at Baylor, and Wigtil added a second officer to help with safety programs and two more officers have been certified as bike patrollers to help cover more ground during patrols.
“Baylor University is committed to safety. We wake up each day focused on how to get better and create an even safer campus,” Wigtil said. “The Baylor Police Department will never become complacent and will continue to evaluate, research and implement new programs to enhance safety on campus.”
Baylor is also working with the city of Waco to become certified in a crime-free, multi-housing program that strives to keep students who live on campus safer. With all of the ongoing security improvements being made around campus, student and faculty can rest a little easier knowing their safety is always being considered.