PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence’s former police chief is taking his first steps to enhance safety at Brown University in the wake of the deadly shooting earlier this month.
Hugh Clements was hired as Brown’s interim vice president of public safety last week.
On Tuesday, he sent a letter to the campus community outlining his goal to “build a stronger, sophisticated and more resilient model of campus safety.”
“What happened on Dec. 13 should never happen again — at Brown or anywhere — and we must confront that imperative for our community with steadfast purpose,” Clements wrote in the letter.
Two students were killed and nine others were injured in the shooting at the Barus and Holley building. The suspected gunman, a 48-year-old Portuguese native and former student, was found dead at a New Hampshire storage facility several days later.
According to Clements, there will be an “elevated and visible public safety presence” during the upcoming spring semester, with additional officers posted at academic buildings, residential areas and events.
He also said the university is working to install more security cameras in key locations—including the Barus and Holley building—as well as more blue light phones and panic buttons around campus.
Surveillance photos and videos released by law enforcement after the shooting showed the suspect walking through the surrounding neighborhood, but there were notably no images from the area where the shooting happened.
Additionally, any buildings that require keys for entry will be transitioned to card access.
Brown will also offer training on how to react to a possible threat like an active shooter, and in the coming weeks, students, faculty and staff will be given “meaningful opportunities” to share concerns, ideas and feedback regarding their safety, according to Clements.
“Safety requires more than visible security,” he added. “It is built through preparation, transparency, trust and partnership. My vision for public safety at Brown is one that is community-centered, proactive and grounded in best practices, modern technology and clear communication. I am honored to serve with colleagues in Brown’s leadership who share this vision.”
This all comes as outside firms assess the university’s safety and security systems, policies and practices, along with its preparedness before the shooting and the emergency response in the aftermath.
Ultimately, Clements said he wants to honor the shooting victims by ensuring that Brown’s campus is “safer tomorrow than it was yesterday.”
“I want you to know this: Our goal is not to create a campus defined by fear, but one defined by preparedness, vigilance and mutual care,” he said. “We are committed to maintaining a campus where every member of this community — students, faculty, staff and visitors — can learn, work and live with confidence that they are doing so in spaces that support a strong academic mission while also being secure.”
Clements also issued a reminder about who to call and how to stay informed in the event of an emergency. Anyone who has a concern should call 911 or Brown’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management at (401) 863-4111. Non-emergencies can be directed to the department by calling (401) 863-3322.
Brown students and staff, along with their families and members of the nearby RISD community, can opt into the RAVE BrownAlert notification system by texting BrownEmergencyList to 67283. Active users are encouraged to make sure their contact information is up to date, and they can also download the RAVE Brown Guardian app.
Visit the BrownReady website to learn more about campus safety and emergency preparedness.