We hope everyone had a restful and restorative winter break. As we enter a new year, we would like to share some updates:

Camera Project Vedder Hall and AI Camera System

One of the harsh realities that all institutions of higher education must prepare for is the threat of a violent critical incident.  Over the last three years we have added over 200 cameras and have plans for additional camera installations through 2030. While we understand the concern related to additional cameras, they are a force multiplier and provide additional coverage of campus. As we move into a phase of installing cameras inside the hallways of residence halls, please know they are not focused or pointed at any bathrooms. We would only review the footage of cameras that are installed inside residence halls if warranted, either because of a University request or a criminal investigation. 

Cameras are typically used as a tool to respond to events after they’ve occurred. With AI we can use them as a proactive tool. We are adding weapon detection software, as indicated in previous emails this last year. This will enable our dispatchers to receive an alert if a firearm is displayed on any of the AI-enabled cameras. This would provide a more accurate and timely response to threats covered within our camera system. As we add more cameras in the coming years, and replace old ones, our ability to detect threats proactively will increase. 

Scooters

Hopefully everyone has seen all the signs, placards and table objects from the Dean of Student’s Office in reference to safe scooter usage. There is a scooter policy that will take effect later this year and we want to caution our community in advance to be respectful and safety-conscious riders. There will be some new accountability related to scooters. As a reminder they are not legal on PA public roads or sidewalks

Training

We will hold our annual active shooter exercise on July 28, 2026. As we get closer to the date, we will reach out for role players for the scenarios. Public Safety will conduct a test of our emergency alert system on Jan 21, 2026 at noon. Please know that outside of that test, dispatch regularly conducts silent tests of the emergency alert system, which includes testing the BSAFE App mobile blue light feature. Officers and dispatchers train several times a year for violent critical incident response. We also offer free active shooter response training upon request to our community along with several other trainings that can be found using the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduzijLHmtPrD68gkHTAas4K-Kwvn95lzL7-_kwSa0SH4G08w/viewform

As we navigate current events, we continue to look at a number of real-world solutions to help us combat swattings and put appropriate safeguards in place for graduation. Safety is a collective responsibility and we look forward to continuing to work with our community.

Clery Crime Log

Bucknell University complies with the Clery Act and, when we receive a report of an offense, it is recorded in the daily crime log below. The Clery Act allows us to count as a crime a Clery reportable violation we did not investigate. As an example, a rape can be reported to a Campus Security Authority/ Title IX  and the survior can request not to be contacted by Public Safety. We will count that report as a crime. On the daily crime log we count Clery reportable violations on the date they are reported to us, not the date they occurred. As an example, we can receive several reports in one day from a Campus Security Authority about Clery reportable crimes, even if the crimes have occurred months prior. We count them all on the date and time we get the reports.

• Criminal Offenses:
  • Criminal homicide: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, manslaughter by negligence
  • Sexual assault: rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Burglary
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Arson
• Hate Crimes (any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of):
  • Larceny-theft
  • Simple assault
  • Intimidation
  • Destruction/damage/vandalism of property
• Violence Against Women Act Offenses:
  • Domestic violence
  • Dating violence
  • Stalking
• Arrests and Referrals for Disciplinary Action:
  • Weapons law violations
  • Drug abuse violations
  • Liquor law violations

Public Safety Sub-Station and Test of Emergency Alert System

On Jan 21, 2026 we will test the emergency alert system at 12 noon. The test will include activating the system and sending a test phone call, text message, email, loudspeaker system, and desktop takeover of select devices.

Lowry house located at 110 University Ave is now fully operational as the new public safety substation. The chief of public safety, patrol supervisors, and the parking and community service officer teams, including Deputy Diggs are in that location. It also houses a trauma-informed interview room and a dedicated classroom space for community training.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our campus safe.