A Message from Public Safety/New Evening Shuttle Hours and Additional Safety Enhancements
As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of Tessa Majors, I write to share additional safety resources and enhancements available to you.
- The two Public Safety guard booths on Morningside Drive, located at 116th Street and 122nd Street, are now staffed with Public Safety officers 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- Starting Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, the Public Safety Evening Shuttle will extend its hours of operation to begin at 4:00 p.m. every day on its two routes. Consult the website for the route maps and schedule, including an app that provides real-time, GPS tracking of the shuttles.
- These measures are in addition to the resources I shared in an email last week, including the Walking Safety Escort Service, the Intercampus Shuttle, neighborhood merchants serving as Safe Havens, and Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes, along with additional guidance on personal safety and the crime prevention programs available.
Many of you have written to Public Safety since this tragedy occurred to share your ideas and concerns. We are reviewing all feedback to better understand your personal preferences for travel and the ways that we can enhance support. We will be taking these suggestions into account as we consider additional safety measures.
In addition to these University measures, many elected officials have spoken about making Morningside Park and other city parks safer with additional enhancements that could include increased lighting and video cameras. The NYPD and NYC Park Enforcement Patrol have already instituted an increased patrol presence in Morningside Park. I personally walked the park to discuss these and other measures with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, the NYPD’s chief of patrol and assistant chief in charge of Northern Manhattan, and city parks officials.
As is always the case, if you are in immediate danger on campus, call Public Safety (Morningside: 212-854-5555; Manhattanville: 212-853-3333; CUIMC: 212-305-7979.) Off campus, call New York City emergency services at 911.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. We join the Barnard and Columbia communities in mourning during this difficult time.
James F. McShane
Vice President
Columbia University Department of Public Safety