The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa Police Departments have made some safety enhancements to UA’s strip area. According to the latest figures, those new efforts are seeing positive results.
One of the most visible enhancements is a new joint police precinct located at 1209 University Boulevard, staffed 24 hours every day of the week with UAPD officers patrolling the area around the clock as well.
The customer service area is available to anyone that needs to report a crime, report lost or stolen items, turn in found items, or speak with an officer.
“We want our community members and fans to be able to come and have a good time,” said University of Alabama Chief of Police John Hooks.
“The added and enhanced security measures that we implemented last year have been well-received and led to positive results, and we are continuing to make sure the Strip is a safe, secure and friendly environment for those who want to visit.”
RELATED: Tuscaloosa Police, UAPD establish precinct on Strip
UAPD Off-Campus Public Safety Unit along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department are increasing patrols in the area from Wednesday through Saturday night.
Additional security cameras as well as a new public address system have been added as well to allow officers to make public address announcements if necessary.
Excessive speeding in the area has been curbed as well by adding portable speed bumps during evening hours.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the increased police presence in a high-traffic area like the Strip,” said SGA President-elect Samad Gillani.
“The diligence and attentiveness of the Tuscaloosa and UA Police departments to constantly improving our campus safety is something that we feel immense gratitude for and thank both departments for their service.”
Both Hooks and Capt. Mark Grimes of the UAPD Off-Campus Public Safety Unit say that partnership with local businesses has also helped to make the area safer.
“We’ve also built partnerships with the local business owners,” Grimes said. “They know we are out there to support them, and they’ve been very supportive of what we are doing.”
In the coming months, low-speed vehicles will be used to navigate the area and allow for faster response times along with expected upgrades to the lighting and utility systems. Both the city and the university are conducting a corridor study to determine other improvements that can be made.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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