Chief Monroe shares safety tips, resources for new academic year
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2026) — As students return to campus and a new academic year gets underway, the University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD) is welcoming Wildcats back and encouraging the campus community to take advantage of the many safety resources available across the university.
UK Police Chief Joe Monroe emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility and that UKPD is committed to helping students, faculty and staff feel informed, prepared and supported throughout the year.
“Whether you’re arriving on campus for the first time or returning for another semester, we want you to know that your safety and well-being are a top priority,” Monroe said. “The UK Police Department is here to serve, support and protect you every day.”
Significant campus safety investments have been made in recent years, including:
- Increased UKPD patrols during late-night hours on campus
- Enhanced lighting in key areas
- Upgraded security in residence halls and parking garages
- Strengthened partnerships with the city of Lexington, Lexington Police and local businesses
- The implementation of a Drone as First Responder program to enhance emergency response
- A state-of-the-art mobile police unit on North Campus, near Good Samaritan Hospital
- The introduction of SafeZone, our new campus safety app designed to give you fast, easy access to help when you need it
As the needs of a growing campus evolve, the university continues to assess risks, review existing practices and make improvements where needed to help keep the community safe.
“Campus safety is never static. It requires continual evaluation, honest assessment and a willingness to adapt as our campus changes,” Monroe said. “We regularly review our programs, technology, training and partnerships to identify opportunities for improvement because maintaining a safe campus environment is an ongoing responsibility, not a finish line.”
UKPD encourages members of the campus community to familiarize themselves with key safety resources and take a few simple steps to stay Wildcat Ready:
- Stay informed. Ensure you’re signed up for UK Alert via phone call, text and push notification.
- Students: Provide a phone number in myUK to automatically receive UK Alert calls and texts. Download the SafeZone app to receive UK Alert push notifications, which are often the fastest way to be informed during an emergency.
- Faculty and staff: Download the SafeZone app to opt in to UK Alert via phone call, text and push notification.
- Parents and outside community members: You can enroll in UK Alert on a voluntary self-subscription basis via text message. Find more information at go.uky.edu/StayInformed.
- Be prepared. Review the Emergency Response Guide — your guide to being prepared for any situation. It’s important to know how to respond in any emergency, including situations involving active aggressors and severe weather threats.
- Take action. Know what to do in an emergency, and contact UKPD right away if you see suspicious activity or have a safety concern. Reporting concerns early helps UKPD respond quickly, share accurate information and connect members of the campus community with the right support.
Throughout the year, UKPD works closely with campus and community partners to provide safety education, outreach programs and resources designed to help students make informed decisions and connect with support when needed. These efforts include safety education, crime prevention initiatives, community engagement programs and partnerships that help students navigate campus safely.
The department also encourages students and families to explore campus safety tools and resources before classes begin. Understanding how to receive emergency information, report concerns and access university services can help students feel more confident as they transition into the academic year.
Parents and family members play an important role as well. Monroe encourages families to talk with their students about personal safety, staying connected and knowing where to turn for help when questions or concerns arise.
“One of the greatest strengths of the University of Kentucky is our community,” Monroe said. “When we look out for one another, we help create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.”
Additional information about UKPD, campus safety resources and emergency preparedness tools is available through the University of Kentucky Police Department.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.