Temple University releases findings, recommendations from independent public safety audit

General view of campus life at Temple University, in Philadelphia, PA, on a frisk early spring day of March 27, 2019. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA - The results of an audit examining public safety at Temple University have been released, revealing a need for improved community relations, assertive leadership and city-wide collaboration.

According to the university's Public Safety Department, 21CP Solutions conducted an "external, independent review" of campus safety services from the Temple University Police Department.

The audit was focused on internal procedures and the department's interaction with community partners. Officials at the university note the audit began in May 2022 under the leadership of former director Charles Leone, saying the findings pre-date the arrival of the current Vice President of Public Safety, Dr.

Jennifer Griffin. To conduct the audit, 21CP reviewed the Temple University Police Department's policies and procedures, observed data on public safety and examined the police department's operations while engaging campus stakeholders from North Philadelphia and areas surrounding Temple. RELATED COVERAGEAfter extensive review, 21CP has created a series of recommendations and best practices for the department. "21CP's most general, but most critical recommendation, is that Temple must, modestly but with unflinching resolve, assert leadership and ensure that community members, Philadelphia stakeholders, and University community members alike come together and implement effective safety strategies - ones that promote police and residents, and University affiliates and community members, working together to co-produce public safety in North Philadelphia," the audit.