Jackson State University is making significant progress on a multi-million dollar security system and emergency plan designed to enhance safety for students, staff, and visitors. The initiative provides more tools for reporting crimes and accessing help quickly, marking a major step forward in campus safety.
A few years ago, nearly a third of the emergency towers on campus were not functioning properly. This project, which started during the 2020-2021 academic year and gained momentum in 2023, is now approximately 90% complete. The improvements include upgraded lighting, new emergency towers, and enhanced communication systems.
Lighting Improvements
LED lights have been gradually installed over the past few years along the plaza walkway and other areas of campus. These upgrades have made a noticeable difference in how students feel about their surroundings. Senior Erykah Cain shared her experience, saying she feels less on guard compared to her freshman year.
“It was just, of course, we would never be by ourselves and just be aware,” Cain said. “But now it’s like you can go comfortably somewhere by yourself down the plaza if you really wanted to because it’s so bright.”
Cain also mentioned that student concerns about lighting were addressed through multiple town halls. She expressed satisfaction with seeing changes based on student feedback.
“Just to see that it went from me voicing about a change to seeing a change, that is something good that I can take back,” Cain said.
Crime Reporting Increases
The number of crime incident reports submitted to Jackson State Police has seen a dramatic increase. From seven reports in 2022, the number rose to 107 in 2024. In 2025, the department received over 800 incidents that required a report to be generated, according to Jackson State Police Chief Eric Stanton.
Until April 22 this year, only 30% of all crime reports to JSU police occurred after dark. Stanton attributed this increase to community efforts toward safety.
“What I contribute that to is us working as a community towards community safety,” Stanton said. “As we always tell the campus community, if you see something say something. So, having these various different avenues to reach public safety, let them know it’s OK to reach out to the Department of Public Safety, I believe has led to an increase in those reported incidents.”
Emergency Towers Back Online
Approximately 30% of the emergency towers with call boxes were not functioning when the project began, according to Dr. Vance Siggers, vice president of campus operations. Stanton explained how the towers work.
“Press the red button here and that will log into our dispatch unit,” Stanton said. “I’m able to speak with our dispatch unit as well as they observe me on the camera system.”
Project on Budget
University leaders have not encountered any financial setbacks as the project moves into its final stages.
“This is actually going according to plan and we are below the budget we set in place,” Siggers said. “So, we are being good stewards on this project and definitely making it happen.”
In addition to improving safety, the Emergency Management Plan includes reducing energy usage across campus based on building occupancy. The goal is to cut energy rates by 30% while maintaining a safer environment.
