University of Utah reorganizes its public safety infrastructure

The University of Utah announced Monday a reorganization of its public safety infrastructure in order to improve campus security accountability.

Marlon Lynch, the University of Utah’s first chief safety officer, who took office in February, will oversee the university’s emergency management, health security and campus security divisions. These divisions and the UofU police chief Rodney Chatman will now report to Lynch.

The changes reflect steps the University of Utah has been taking to reestablish trust after the on-campus murder of student-athlete Lauren McCluskey in October 2018 and lingering questions about the public safety department’s handling of her repeated complaints prior to her death that she was being stalked, harassed and extorted by an ex-boyfriend.

The university also announced June 29, a new community services division is being created to help crime victims. Former Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Squires is being hired by the university as an executive officer “focusing on relationships with external public safety agencies and public safety committee management.”

In addition, a new security and law enforcement technology director will be hired to provide technical support to the department as well as oversee technical aspects of the department.

“Policing is the most visible and has been a major part of public safety, but it’s not the only component of public safety. It also includes security, emergency management and victim services. These changes reflect the variety of needs of the public, while also ensuring the services are coordinated. Additionally, this model formalizes opportunities for campus involvement and oversight,” Lynch said.

Featured

  • How Emerging Technologies are Transforming the School Security Landscape

    Students can't focus on learning when they're worried about their safety. As education systems nationwide face evolving security challenges with limited resources, a new generation of integrated technology solutions is helping schools create safer environments while maximizing staff efficiency. Read Now

  • How to Harness ALPR for Greater Security Efficiency and Collaboration

    Within higher education campus environments, the demand for greater security, efficiency, and resources is ever-present. Many higher education teams are adopting advanced technologies to secure their campus, streamline operations, and continue to best serve their students and faculty. Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology stands out for its ability to meet a wide range of campus objectives. Read Now

  • Using Emerging Technologies to Address Healthcare Staffing, Workplace Violence Issues

    The healthcare industry consistently adopts new technology to address challenges across all of its sectors. Many of the emerging technologies that are available today are being applied to optimize workflow. To enhance their operational efficiency, hospitals and other healthcare providers typically embrace emergent technologies to streamline tasks in patient care, administration, and, of course, security. Read Now

  • Let's Be Clear: Why Campus Security Cameras Need Regular Maintenance

    Universities invest in security camera systems, expecting them to provide clear, reliable footage to help protect students, faculty, and staff. These cameras are strategically placed across campus—monitoring entryways, dormitories, parking lots, stadiums, bookstores, and common areas—as both a deterrent to crime and a valuable tool in incident investigations. Read Now