On Tuesday, UT Austin President Jim Davis announced to the university the creation of a new campus safety unit composed of the UT Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, the West Campus Ambassadors, and a “public safety strategy team.”
This new strategy team will be led by Jay Swann, a retired lieutenant of the Austin Police Department, with over 20 years experience. Swann will serve as the interim Executive Director of University Safety, a new cabinet-level office dedicated to building a “culture, attitude, and environment of safety” on UT campus. The email noted the current recruitment for a permanent leader.
Currently, the UT Office of Emergency Management runs the Longhorn Alert system, on-campus building security, emergency plans and resources, and weather preparedness advice. West Campus Ambassadors is a specialized team founded in August 2023 by urban renewal company Block by Block, that provides 24-hour safety and daytime cleaning services to the student housing neighborhood adjacent to UT campus.
SafeHorns, an advocacy group led by UT parents, expressed support for Davis’ announcement. President Joell McNew commended the action taken by the president but pressed the need for sustainability and longevity of the new program.
