UNLPD talks campus crime and student safety as fall semester nears

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Students were unloading boxes Monday and settling in at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Campus police said their focus is making sure everyone feels safe from day one.

Chief Hassan Ramzah said his team is prepared for the year ahead.

“We were going to make sure that transition is a safe one,” he said.

As thousands of students return to campus, police said prevention and preparedness are crucial.

He encourages students to sign up for UNL alerts “so they’re aware of what’s going on around them and anything that may prohibit their ability to attend classes.”

In 2023, there were 13 robberies and 4 aggravated assaults on campus, according to UNL Police Department data.

Those are increases from 2022. Data from 2024 isn’t yet available.

Channel 8 asked parents who were helping their students move in what their biggest concerns were. They said it’s their students walking to and from places at night.

Ramzah said students can call UNLPD for an escort if they need one.

“We do have a very proactive and very working partnership with local Lincoln Police Department in terms of working together on campus,” he said.

Channel 8 asked the chief about what his department’s plan is when it comes to alcohol enforcement.

“We want students to enjoy their time on campus but also be responsible,” Ramzah said. “And some of that involves making sure that our students are not putting themselves in the position where they jeopardize their safety or the safety of others.”

UNLPD isn’t adding any additional measures to their year’s safety plan, but Ramzah said if something doesn’t feel right, students and staff should always let the department know.

For parents dropping off their students, the chief said they can trust that safety will remain a priority all year long.

“We’re here to make sure that our students have a safe journey,” he said.