Message from the President: Safety Issues
To the University and Health System Communities:
Safety is a top priority at VCU. We have put unprecedented resources towards crime prevention and the safety of the university community, resulting in a low overall crime rate on our campuses. This includes the largest university police force in Virginia at 92 sworn officers, increased security patrols on our campuses and surrounding city neighborhoods, an improved safety escort service and an aggressive crime and emergency communications system.
I am very upset along with all of you that last night six robbery related crimes happened on or in the vicinity of the Monroe Park Campus. Richmond Police are investigating five of the incidents and VCU Police are investigating the one incident that happened on our property. Together they are working diligently to apprehend those responsible for these crimes.
A safe learning, living and working environment is essential to VCU’s mission as a major research university. There is nothing more important than that. What happened last night is untenable. I meet with Richmond’s Chief Administrative Officer and Police Chief today, and with Mayor Jones tomorrow. I will emphasize my concern for the continued need for a strong partnership between VCU and the city to prevent crime and protect the more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff who live and work on and near our campuses.
Sincerely,
Michael Rao
President, VCU and the VCU Health System
