In response to a series of overnight arrests at Columbia University, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is planning to conduct a full assessment of the school grounds. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey announced in a Wednesday morning news conference that they will be speaking to university officials to determine what resources are needed to ensure public safety on campus.
Chief Maddrey emphasized that the NYPD's resources are available to support the university staff, public safety personnel, teachers, and faculty members to create a safe environment. The goal moving forward is to deploy an appropriate number of officers to maintain public safety across the campus leading up to the commencement ceremony.
According to a report by CNN, Columbia University has requested the NYPD to maintain a presence on campus until at least May 17, two days after the school's commencement. The university's President, Minouche Shafik, expressed the need for continued police presence to prevent disorder and ensure that encampments do not reemerge.
