TUPD honored for 30-plus years of excellence

Towson University has received the Governor’s Crime Prevention Award, marking the 32^nd year in a row that the university has been lauded for its crime prevention efforts. 

The Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute sponsors the award to recognize law enforcement agencies that demonstrate outstanding proactive crime prevention. The Towson University Police Department (TUPD) has received the award more than any other college or university in the state.

“Crime prevention is critical to keeping our students, faculty, staff and visitors safe,” said Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Bernard Gerst. “We encourage the campus community to sign up for our emergency notification system, watch our safety videos and participate in our safety and emergency preparedness programs to help keep themselves and our campus safe.”

In addition to the emergency notification system, Towson recently launched a SaferMobility app that helps students stay safe on campus. The university also offers walking and driving escorts, online personal property registration and free defense courses.

The TUPD is one of 14 law enforcement agencies to receive the 2015 Governor’s Crime Prevention Award. The award was presented to TUPD officers at a ceremony in December. 

Tyler New contributed to this article.