PHILADELPHIA - Days after Temple's police union reported that it's facing a staffing crisis that has impacted campus safety, university officials announced a number of safety enhancements in response to a spate of recent shootings. "For Temple’s part, we are considering all options to protect the safety of our students, faculty, staff and neighbors in North Philadelphia," Temple University Chief Operating Officer Ken Kaiser said. "We have to be willing to continually think outside the box, and that is what we have done here with this grant program."In a statement posted to Temple's website, the university said the Temple Police Department will increase patrols.
They've also started discussions about a neighborhood watch program. Landlords can apply for a $2,500 grant that can be used for installing either lighting and/or cameras to improve security.
The union says it's operating at 60% of its typical workforce and each officer has worked about 42 overtime shifts since last July.
On Monday, the union said on its Facebook page that it "cannot perform adequate community policing techniques that we have done in the past to reduce crime in the community."Temple University's police union this week said they are operating at 60% normal capacity and officers have had to work roughly 42 overtime shifts since last summer.On Monday, the union said on its Facebook page that it "cannot perform adequate community policing techniques that we have done in the past to reduce crime in the community." In response, Temple University said 113 applicants are awaiting review for police academy training.