UT Increases Police Budget by $7 Million to Enhance Officer Salaries

The University has increased its Police Department’s annual budget by $7 million to boost campus police officer and employee salaries, according to a Sept. 9 UT news release. Starting pay will be 24% higher for officers and 30% higher for dispatchers. 

This investment is part of the UT System Board of Regents’ broader strategy in recent years to increase campus safety, according to the news release. Last year, UTPD extended its patrol to the West Campus neighborhood, which had previously been considered a responsibility of the City of Austin, SafeHorns President Joell McNew said. 

Other enhancements include the creation of the West Campus Ambassadors program and increased security camera and lighting coverage. 

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“This investment sends a clear message from the University’s leadership to every member of our department that you are wanted on this campus, and the work you do is valued, supported and excellent,” UT Police Chief Shane Streepy wrote in the news release. 

Streepy has also implemented a new pay increase structure for leadership positions based on performance rather than longevity, according to the news release. 

“Together, the changes are intended to enhance UTPD’s recruitment, increase retention, cultivate leaders, and ensure long-term continuity in a complex operating environment,” a UT representative wrote in the release. 

McNew helped found SafeHorns after her son’s classmate, Haruka Weiser, was murdered on campus in 2016. She said the budget increase is “fantastic.” 

“Law enforcement has been struggling across the country with retaining officers, recruiting officers,” McNew said. “It is vital that we have our public safety officers out there serving and protecting our communities.” 

Advertising junior Shriya Poonuru said that even though nothing has ever happened to her, it’s reassuring to know that safety resources are available to students. 

“UT does a good job of making students feel safe and protected,” Poonuru said.