Violence Reduction & University Efforts

In January 2022, Temple announced two important initiatives to examine and identify critical opportunities to improve safety - an external audit conducted by former commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department Charles H. Ramsey and his firm, 21CP Solutions; and a task force on violence reduction strategies.

The Violence Reduction Task Force (VRTF) brought together a Steering Committee of representatives from our campuses, including students, parents, faculty, staff, neighbors and area businesspersons, to review the university’s existing violence reduction efforts and consider other innovative violence reduction initiatives. It is one of many efforts designed to help elevate Temple’s anti-violence research and programs and to devise new solutions to help address Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic. Temple is comprised of scholars, thought leaders, advocates and activists with a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. A brief glimpse of their work and efforts that influenced the task force report and recommendations can be found here.

Additionally, a dedicated group of faculty, staff and students assembled last spring to assess the needs and and resources necessary to create a campus culture that better supports mental health and wellness. After research and assessment, the Task Force on Mental Health and Wellness developed thoughtful recommendations, organized into three primary areas of focus: culture and climate, services and support, and administration. With these recommendations at top of mind, we are moving forward with changes and strategies that will incorporate a culture of wellness into the fabric of our community. We encourage you to review their report and findings along with progress made.