Orem, Utah — Following the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on its campus, Utah Valley University (UVU) announced plans to expand its police force and strengthen campus security protocols after widespread criticism over safety failures during the event.
University spokesperson Ellen Treanor confirmed Wednesday that UVU is hiring eight additional police officers and two new safety managers to coordinate future campus events and enhance emergency preparedness.
A Tragic Wake-Up Call
Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while participating in a student debate in UVU’s main courtyard. The attack, carried out from a rooftop overlooking the outdoor event, exposed major gaps in campus security.
An Associated Press review found that UVU had failed to implement several key public safety practices that are standard for large gatherings nationwide. The event, attended by more than 3,000 people, had minimal law enforcement presence — just six campus officers — and lacked bag checks, metal detectors, or drone surveillance of surrounding rooftops.
Kirk’s private security team of eight guards was also present but unable to prevent the shooting.
Security Gaps Under Scrutiny
At the time of the attack, UVU’s police department employed 23 sworn officers, equivalent to one officer for every 1,400 students — well below national averages. According to a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice study, the recommended ratio for large public universities is one officer per 500 students.
With an enrollment of approximately 32,000 students, UVU would need around 64 officers to meet that benchmark. Even after the expansion, the university’s total force will remain less than half of that standard.
Campus Police Chief Jeffrey Long acknowledged the strain on resources following the incident. “We are committed to improving,” he said after the shooting. “Our goal is to ensure every student, faculty member, and guest feels safe on this campus.”
Budget Challenges and Funding Questions
Public records show UVU’s policing budget for the current fiscal year dropped slightly to $2.1 million, down from $2.2 million during the previous cycle. University officials have not yet detailed how the new hires will be funded or whether state assistance will be requested.
Treanor declined to comment on specific funding sources but said campus safety “remains a top priority.”
Broader Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The fatal shooting sparked a national conversation about campus security and the responsibilities of public universities hosting politically charged events.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder and is awaiting trial. Prosecutors allege he targeted Kirk from an upper-level building on campus, firing multiple shots before being apprehended.
Kirk’s death has prompted both state lawmakers and university administrators to review security protocols for public gatherings across Utah’s higher education system.
As UVU rebuilds trust with students and staff, the expansion of its police department marks a first step toward what officials describe as “a new era of proactive campus safety.”
