PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Brown University’s interim Vice President for Public Safety Hugh Clements released a campus safety action less than a month before spring semester begins.
This come after two students were killed and nine others were injured in a campus shooting on Dec. 13.
Clements, who is a former chief of Providence police, was recently named the interim public safety vice president after Rodney Chatman, that previously held the position, was placed on leave.
Flowers at the front gates of Brown University after shooting. (WJAR)
In a letter to the Brown community, he shared multiple steps being taken prior to the spring 2026 semester, which begins Jan. 21.
This includes transition to card access for buildings requiring keys for entry, expansion of blue light phones with integrated cameras, installation of security cameras in key areas, strengthened coordination with local agencies and partners, enhanced public safety training and reinforced message of resources supporting crime prevention.
According to university officials, they will have assigned officers at buildings without card key access technology until the transition is complete.
“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. ““Safety requires more than visible security. 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.”
Flowers and pictures of the two students killed in the shooting. (WJAR)
The spring semester will also offer a new safety training and active-shooter preparedness training.
“Our goal is not to create a campus defined by fear, but one defined by preparedness, vigilance and mutual care. 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,” he said.
As announced last week, Brown University said it has has external firms conducting the after-action review on the preparedness surrounding the mass shooting and the response after, and the campus safety and security assessment that will examine all aspects of the security systems.
Administrative holiday break will end next Tuesday, with medical school courses beginning that day, Brown said.
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