SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, in an effort to improve accountability, the University of Utah announced a reorganization of its public safety infrastructure.
The university’s emergency management, health security and campus security divisions are now to report to Marlon Lynch, the first chief safety officer at the UofU.
These divisions previously reported to the university’s police department. The university’s police chief, Rodney Chatman, will also report to Lynch.
Monday, the university also announced the formation of a new community services division to assist crime victims.
Former Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Squires was hired to be an executive officer “focusing on relationships with external public safety agencies and public safety committee management per a statement from the school.
Furthermore, a new security and law enforcement technology director is to be hired. This individual will provide the department with technical support and oversee the department’s technical aspects.
The UofU also confirmed a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building supporting these functions is scheduled for the end of 2020.
These changes reflect steps the University of Utah has been taking to reestablish trust following the on-campus murder of student-athlete Lauren McClusky in 2018.
Her parents have since filed a $56 million lawsuit against the university. The suit alleges campus police and housing officials ignored multiple reports from their daughter to authorities ahead of her death.
