By Raven Hanning and Kia Wynne
Changes, including increased police presence, are coming to UNCP Campus following the shooting at The Commons at Pembroke Apartment Complex around midnight on March 2, 2024.
Chancellor Cummings announced in an email to the campus on Monday, that they are introducing more new security precautions.
Chancellor Cummings and university leadership met with representatives from Pembroke and County police departments, Robeson District Attorney’s Office, and Robeson County Manager’s Office, as well as off-campus housing property owners and management teams to “discuss areas identified as needing immediate increases in safety and security measures and to coordinate off-campus action plans,” according to the Chancellor in an email to the campus student body.
There are plans for an increased law enforcement presence on and around campus.
UNCP Police now have jurisdiction to respond and patrol off-campus housing, according to Chancellor Cummings.
Students who live off-campus at Pembroke Pointe, 698 Prospect, The View or The Commons at Pembroke apartment complexes will notice increased patrols in their communities soon.
UNCP Police and Pembroke PD will be partnering with outside law enforcement agencies to begin random traffic checkpoints in areas neighboring campus. UNCP Police will also attend monthly meetings with Pembroke PD, and Robeson County Sheriff’s Department to discuss ongoing issues in the surrounding community that may impact the university.
A new party ban is also in effect at off-campus housing communities. The university’s Division of Student Affairs will assist UNCP Police and off-campus housing in taking disciplinary actions against students who violate law or the University Code of Conduct.
Weapon policies at the four off-campus house complexes are also being implemented in response to the increase in violent crime. In their new policy, all four complexes have banned all weapons on their properties. Possession of one is punishable by eviction, legal charges and where appropriate, referral for action under the UNCP Student Conduct process.
UNCP has created a new anonymous tip form for students to “say something” in the campus’s recent ‘See Something Say Something’ campaign to increase student safety and awareness. The form can be found at uncp.edu/saysomething.
Mental health support is still available to those who need it. Students can make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services by calling (910) 521-6202, or visit them in person. The CAPS office is located on the second floor of the Brave Health Center.
Students can also submit a CARE report, the CARE team will reach out instead.