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UT Austin expanding police force, investing in safety equipment to enhance West Campus security

The vote comes after demands from the Longhorn community to improve safety in the West Campus neighborhood.

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin is expanding its police force and investing in safety equipment in an effort to enhance West Campus security.

According to the university's president, Gregory Fenves, the UT System Board of Regents approved on Thursday new funding for increased public safety and security measures for the West Campus area.

The new funding will be used to hire 11 new UT police officers and two new police sergeants. The university will also invest in cameras, vehicles, equipment and other technology solutions.

RELATED: UTPD chief announces plan to keep West Campus students, staff safer

"We are taking these actions because there has been an uptick in violent crime in Austin during recent months. Thousands of UT students live and congregate in West Campus, and many students and employees travel through the area to get to class and work," Fenves said in a statement.

Thursday's vote comes after demands from the Longhorn community for additional UT police officers over safety concerns within West Campus.

The university will continue to work with the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety to monitor safety. 

RELATED: What is the scope of the crime problem in West Campus?

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