Safety Is Our Priority
April 5, 2024
Dear Scarlet Knights:
Earlier today, the RUPD sent out a crime alert about a shooting that occurred in New Brunswick early this morning. The incident is actively being investigated by the lead agency, New Brunswick Police, with the RUPD assisting. Your safety is our priority. Please be aware of the following resources and steps being taken to support security on and off campus.
The Rutgers University Police Department, in collaboration with the New Brunswick Police, will increase police presence in the area of the incident. This year, additional security cameras were placed in New Brunswick, and blue-light emergency phones were strategically installed on College Avenue and in spaces adjacent to campus. RUPD Community Police Officers and Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships staff members will conduct safety walks in New Brunswick next week to interact with students and share safety information.
We also want to remind everyone of the following safety precautions:
- Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you;
- Report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately;
- Avoid isolated or dark areas; and
- Walk in groups when traveling during late night hours.
The Rutgers University Police Department provides escorts to students, faculty, and staff upon request. The escorts offer the community personalized service to their vehicles, campus residences, or the University's mass transit system. To request a security escort, contact the police communications center at 732-932-7211. For more information on crime prevention, please visit the Rutgers Public Safety website at https://ipo.rutgers.edu/publicsafety/crime-prevention.
In addition to your physical safety, your emotional well-being and security are important. Students may also reach out to the following resources for support and with questions:
Offices of the Dean of Students-Advocacy, Outreach, & Support: call 848-932-2300 or deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu.
Counseling services are available to students at all times. CAPS (Counseling, Alcohol, and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services) provides services, including Let’s Talk, in person and via telehealth. Students can contact CAPS by calling 848-932-7884. For faculty and staff who may need support, the university’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program provides comprehensive counseling and referral services.
In service to you,
Chief Kenneth Cop
Rutgers University Police Department
Dr. Salvador Mena, Ph.D. (he, him, el)
Senior Vice Chancellor for the Student Experience
Dr. Anne Newman, Ph.D. (she, her, hers)
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students