Representatives from the Marquette University Police Department, Division of Belonging and Student Affairs, the Title IX Office, and others hosted a “Campus Safety Conversation” with students on Friday, Feb. 20.
As part of the town hall-style event, MUPD Chief Edith Hudson, Dean of Students Erin Gannon and Title IX Coordinator Kristen Kreple addressed concerns regarding campus safety and security following recent safety alerts. Rev. Jim Pribek, S.J., opened with a prayer for all victims of violence.
The panel discussion centered on a series of key topics raised by students and community members.
MUPD details proactive measures following recent safety alerts
While Chief Hudson could not share case details related to recent safety alerts to avoid compromising the investigations, she did outline both the steps MUPD has taken in response and the proactive measures already in place.
MUPD is a fully commissioned, accredited and certified law enforcement agency featuring 68 public safety professionals, including 48 law enforcement officers who continuously patrol campus.
“We have our own investigative team, and our detectives are excellent,” Hudson said. “They have over 60 [combined] years of law enforcement experience investigating serious crimes in the city of Milwaukee. We have strong partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies. These partnerships have already provided assistance to our investigation.”
Since the incident on the night of Feb. 18, MUPD has increased its virtual patrol through the 1,200 cameras within its patrol zone. Two mobile camera units have been moved to the area where a recent incident occurred.
MUPD has coordinated with the Near West Side Ambassadors, a community-driven initiative that enhances safety and cleanliness in Milwaukee’s Near West Side, who have placed flyers and gone door to door to connect with members of the community.
“My team and I care about this community,” Hudson said. “We have children who attend here. Many of our folks either graduated from Marquette or they currently have or had children who attended Marquette. We are invested. We care about our community, and we care about each of you.”
MUPD affirms staffing strength, shares steps to improve EagleExpress wait times
Last year, Marquette completed nearly 300,000 rides via the free EagleExpress transport service.
Hudson dispelled rumors that recent wait‑time fluctuations were due to understaffing. She explained that higher wait times at peak hours have been influenced instead by temporary vehicle shortages and emphasized that MUPD is already working with a local dealership to secure an additional vehicle to maintain strong service levels.
“We do not have an issue with drivers; however, we’re always interested in having additional drivers,” Hudson said. “We’re really proud that EagleExpress is one of the highest paid student jobs on campus, starting out at $15 [per hour].”
“I understand no one wants to wait,” she continued. “If you could please give us some grace and wait a couple of minutes longer for the EagleExpress to get there, I would feel more comfortable knowing you’re safer in the EagleExpress than if you are walking around.”
What to do if you’ve been the victim of sexual assault
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating or domestic violence or stalking, reach out to the Office of Title IX and Student Civil Rights Compliance for guidance and support.
Your safety is important. As soon as you can access a safe place, call 911 or the Marquette University Police Department emergency line at (414) 288-1911.
“Our Title IX policy on campus prohibits sexual harassment, sexual misconduct as well as stalking and relationship violence,” Kreple said. “If you are experiencing those issues, my office can help. If the perpetrator is part of our Marquette community, we can go through our grievance procedure and hold them accountable through the university process. If that perpetrator is not part of our Marquette community, I can still help. We know that sexual violence can impact your ability to work and learn, so if you experience anything like that, I want you to come to me for accommodations.”
Visit the Office of Title IX & Student Civil Rights Compliance website for more information and support resources.
When safety alerts are sent to campus
Marquette uses safety alert text messages when there is an active threat to campus or if there is a significant police presence. Text alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. In the most recent instances, text alerts were sent at 12:03 a.m. on Feb. 15 and 2:35 a.m. on Feb. 18.
When more information is known as MUPD investigates and there is a serious or continuing threat to campus, a follow-up timely warning email is sent that includes suspect and vehicle descriptions, if applicable. This information encourages people to avoid a certain area and watch for suspects who match the description. All safety alert emails are posted online in Marquette Today, and alerts may be updated with new information if and when it becomes available.
Because MUPD is a commissioned law enforcement agency, it responds to many incidents each day that do not pose a threat to campus and, therefore, do not warrant a text alert. MUPD keeps a daily log of all crimes or serious incidents that occur within its patrol boundaries. Learn more about daily log information.
Campus community encouraged to utilize resources
Community members are encouraged to use the safety resources available — in addition to utilizing EagleExpress, download and use the EagleEye app with location services enabled and push notifications allowed for full functionality; use any of the 450 Blue Light phones; and walk in pairs or groups in well-lit, busy areas.
The EagleEye app provides maps, emergency procedures, support resources and important real‑time campus safety features, including a mobile BlueLight that automatically dispatches MUPD to your device’s location.
