Feb. 24, 2025 — The University of Memphis saw a 36% reduction in overall crime in 2024 compared to 2021, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
In the latest effort to bolster campus security, UofM Police Services welcomed Pharaoh — its first-ever K-9 — to its task force on Feb. 18. Pharaoh is a 16-month-old Belgian Shepherd. Officer James Anderson is serving as Pharaoh’s handler.
“We are excited to introduce Officer Anderson and his K-9 partner Pharaoh,” UofM Chief of Police Keith Humphrey said. “Our new K-9 team recently completed more than six weeks of intensive training. The UMPD K-9 unit is a new resource that will play a multifaceted role on our campus. The unit will provide additional safety, community engagement and education and provide an overall safer environment for students, faculty and staff. We believe this presence can also reduce theft, assaults and other criminal activity.”
Pharaoh is a dual-purpose K-9, trained in searching and detecting. His name was selected following a closely contested social media poll — which received 627 total votes — from a list that included Zeus, Major and Ace.
In addition to adding a K-9 to campus, the University has been steadfast with substantial security upgrades beginning in 2023 at the Central and Park Avenue Campuses with the fencing of open parking lots. To date, fencing has occurred in a total of 11 parking lots and the perimeter of the Park Avenue Campus. Nine parking lots now have controlled access gates at the Central and Park Avenue Campuses. Bollards have also been strategically installed in vulnerable areas throughout campus.
The University has enhanced lighting throughout campus with LED lights in parking lots, interior walkways and streets. A focus on increased lighting improvements will continue through 2025.
“The UMPD K-9 unit is a new resource that will play a multifaceted role on our campus. The unit will provide additional safety, community engagement and education and provide an overall safer environment for students, faculty and staff.”
-Chief of Police Keith Humphrey
In a collaborative effort to deter crime, the University has worked closely with the City of Memphis and, specifically, Councilman Philip Spinosa, Jr., District 5, to address safety and security improvements in the neighborhoods that surround the campus. These efforts have included increased visibility and identifying potential locations for speed humps and other infrastructure improvements to deter crime and speeding. Councilman Spinosa is working closely with MLGW President Doug McGowen to restore street lighting around the University.
The increased resources and enhancements have also been made possible by the $5.4 million in funding received from the governor and state legislation in both 2023 and 2024.
Other recent safety enhancements have included:
- The State of Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs Grant provided the University $2 million to execute police equipment upgrades for vehicles, drones, canine officers, cameras, weapons and technology.
- Working with the city to integrate UofM cameras into the Memphis Police Department’s Connect Memphis system.
- Testing and evaluating the usage of body-worn cameras.
- Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to utilize drones to enhance patrol, which will serve as a preventative and response tool aiding officers in increased surveillance capabilities.
- The University Crime Information Center (UCIC) is a full-service center staffed around the clock with the capabilities to actively monitor campus safety through the use of more than 1,000 cameras and the utilization of alarms and mapping of call locations in conjunction with the University Police Services computer-aided dispatch system.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Trent Shadid
tshadid@memphis.edu
901.678.3811
