University Police to Strengthen Campus Security in Wake of Uvalde Shooting    

The beginning of the new academic year is well underway, but looking back just 3 months ago, the events of the Uvalde school shooting occurred on May 24. And they were a tragic reminder of how, in the face of escalating school violence, it is more vital now than ever for students to be informed on their campus safety and security measures and emergency responses, especially as many schools have reevaluated policies and procedures to ensure campus safety.

In June, Sam Martinez, then chief of police, told the Nautilus in an interview that TAMUG is not an exception among schools that wish to strengthen their security measures and expand their safety resources for students. 

While discussing the functions of the TAMUG police department, Martinez stated that officers’ intensive training capitalizes on efficiency, teamwork, and objectivity. Multiple officers bring years, even decades, of experience to campus. 

When asked if he knew of any plans to expand safety resources for students and strengthen security measures around campus, Martinez said he wanted the department to take part in making  more resources available for the student population and to extend the reach of current campus security measures. Some specific examples for these plans include civilian response classes for students, more surveillance cameras around campus and residence grounds, and emergency-situation training for newer officers.

Martinez also stated that the TAMUG police department wants to coordinate more closely with the Galveston Police Department. This coordination, according to Martinez, would be highly beneficial, for example, in the case that police reinforcements are needed on campus, or traffic redirection is necessary on the Pelican Island bridge, specifically to prevent delays in reinforcements’ arrival. 

The Sea Aggie Center office and after hours numbers are shown below, and additional related information that can be found on the university website under TAMUG safety, for which the link is also listed below.

On August 18, Officer Noed “J.B.” Revilla, who has served the campus since 2002, has been appointed Interim Chief of Police as the university seeks a permanent replacement.

• OFFICE (409) 740-4545
• AFTER-HOURS (409) 771-5185