Officials with the city of Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University are working on ways to combat crime in areas around campus.
Recent violent crimes at nearby apartments, including murder, have caused alarm. Drugs appear to be a factor, reports WKRN News 2. While the shootings and other crimes aren’t random, they have raised concerns about safety.
More than a dozen apartment complex managers have met with officials to help work on solutions.
“We are pleased with the level of cooperation and support from the apartment complex managers and owners,” said city manager Rob Lyons in a June 1 news release. “The city, MTSU, and privately-owned apartment complexes are united in implementing strategies, sharing data and increasing shared police-apartment approaches to ensure the safety of residents and students who live in off-campus housing.”
Several complexes have already responded by investing in third-party security and establishing other safety measures, and city and university officials are developing a public awareness webpage to share data on police calls.
Other strategies discussed include adopting a credentialing program to inform the public about safety practices at complexes, such as third-party security, gated access, monitored parking and visitor registration. Complexes that meet certain criteria would received a special emblem to display to prospective tenants. The city would maintain an online site of complexes recognized in the program.
Officials are also considering giving campus police more enforcement authority outside campus.
“The university recommends on-campus housing as the best residential option for students, especially for freshmen,” the city news release said. “However, when considering an off-campus housing option, the university urges students and parents to see and inspect such units in person before making a commitment.”
Murfreesboro police have stepped up their patrols of nearby areas and have made arrests in all three of the recent homicides at apartment complexes.
