EAST LANSING. Mich. — Adding to its existing portfolio of campus safety and security resources, Michigan State University Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Marlon Lynch announced two new initiatives that further enhance the university’s commitment to Spartans’ safety.
“Our campus is a safer place when we all work together to advance a common, shared vision of what it means to be a community,” said Lynch. “These new initiatives are a direct result of the partnership and collaboration between our department and the students, faculty and staff we serve.”
Police and Public Safety Advisory Committee
Established based on recommendations from the Task Force on Racial Equity, the Police and Public Safety Advisory Committee will assist police leaders in setting a new strategic outlook for the department to meet the specific needs of the campus community. The committee will also help raise awareness of the programs, services and initiatives offered by the department.
Committee members include students, faculty and staff from a cross-section of academic departments and administrative units, as well as student and employee organizations. These individuals represent diverse perspectives and experiences that will inform their feedback to move MSU Police and Public Safety forward. The committee is co-chaired by two student representatives.
“Student representation is so important, especially those who identify as students of color,” said Sujin Lee, a James Madison College junior and committee co-chair. “As a representative from the Multicultural Greek Council, I want to be able to be a voice of my community within this space as best as I can.”
SafeMSU App
Designed with input from students, faculty and staff, the SafeMSU App provides access to valuable safety resources in Spartans’ hands. A key feature of the app is the virtual friend walk. This function allows Spartans to share their current location with a friend who can follow their progress to the destination. The friend can also contact police immediately if they feel there is a problem.
Other features include:
- One-touch emergency calls
- Access to Safe Ride from the Associated Students of Michigan State University
- Link to NightOwl from the Capital Area Transportation Authority
- Form to send tips to the police
“I am pleased to see that the MSU police are making accessible resources that students can use to stay safe throughout their college experience,” said Matt Apostle, a senior from James Madison College and the committee’s other co-chair. “I am thankful that Chief Lynch’s team solicited student input on this application, and I am hoping that we can continue working together to improve its utility as students begin to use it.”
The app can be downloaded through the Apple Store and Google Play starting on Dec. 13, 2021. The initial rollout is available for those on or visiting the university’s East Lansing campus; future versions will be available to other MSU locations across the state.
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Media Contact: Inspector Chris Rozman, Public Information Officer.
517-432-7940, RozmanC@police.msu.edu.