A message regarding TU's public safety actions

Towson University is actively working with campus and community partners to address the concerns of our university community

February 22, 2023

Dear TU students, faculty and staff —

Towson University is actively working with campus and community partners to address the concerns of our university community following a series of off campus public safety incidents.

Even though none of these events have taken place on our campus, they have a direct impact on our students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors. Today, we write you to outline what actions TU has taken and will take regarding issues of safety off campus.

TU’s campus is protected by an Office of Public Safety that is home to more than 40 fully-sworn police officers. TU’s officers follow community policing practices, and encourage those on campus to say something if they see something. All Tigers are encouraged to get to know TU’s public safety resources and procedures in order to help continue the university’s safe campus community.

Since last January, TU has invested approximately $375,000 via a grant to enable two additional county police officers to patrol the downtown precinct in the overnight hours seven days a week. That is in addition to a $50,000 annual neighborhood grant that TU has funded for more than seven years to support community safety in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Finally, TU’s executive leadership is working hand-in-hand with leadership in Baltimore County, including the county police, county government and downtown business and civic partners. Tonight, TU leaders will meet with those county partners and participate in a public safety walk in downtown Towson — conveying our shared goal in protecting and serving our community. 

As a reminder, for immediate concerns around public safety, please contact TU’s Office of Public Safety at 410-704-4444.

By working together, taking additional action and increasing our vigilance we will ensure a safe campus and community.

Thank you for supporting one another. 

Sincerely,

Melanie Perreault, Ph.D.
Interim President

Vernon Hurte, Ph.D.
Vice President, Student Affairs

Charles "Joe" Herring
Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police