The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Campus Police Department is responsible not only for what happens on UTHSC’s Memphis campus, but what happens throughout the Memphis Medical District. The officers are charged with protecting and serving students, faculty, and staff, as well as the community that surrounds the university.
A recent incident near the campus illustrates the breadth of their service. Sergeant Gerald Paige and Officers Lawanda Mallett, Levy Leon, and Adam Lindsey potentially saved the life of an unresponsive man they were called to assist early on July 18. All UTHSC Campus Police officers carry and are trained in the use of Naloxone (Narcan), and the team was well prepared for the situation.
After several failed attempts to communicate with the man, Officer Leon administered one dose of Naloxone (Narcan), thinking the man was possibly experiencing a drug overdose. Shortly after receiving the Naloxone, the man regained consciousness and spoke with officers and Memphis Fire Department personnel. He told them he had taken Fentanyl and was transported to Methodist University Hospital for evaluation.
“Our officers did a great job in recognizing the potential overdose and the subsequent decision to administer the Naloxone,” said Deputy Chief Arley Knight. “They showed great teamwork in dealing with the male subject, interviewing potential witnesses, and directing the Memphis Fire Department to the location. This incident is another example that our Campus Police officers are trained and prepared to serve and support the campus and surrounding community.”
UTHSC Campus Police consists of 31 police officers and 21 security officers, who cover the approximately 60 acres of the campus, plus surrounding areas. UTHSC has invested $26 million in security enhancements on its campus. The campus has more than 3,600 cameras, a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center that monitors the cameras, and keyless access-controlled electronic locks on buildings throughout the campus.
The department was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2019 and is up for reaccreditation this year. The Department is also accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation program.
UTHSC ranked in the Top 10 among 490 colleges in the Safest Campuses in America list, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security.
“The safety of students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority at UTHSC,” said Campus Police Chief Anthony Berryhill. “However, we continue to be vigilant, engaged, and supportive, not just for our campus, but for all those in the surrounding area. It is the duty of a health science center to care for the community, and that is our duty, too, as a campus police force. The overdose victim was fortunate to have been assisted by our well-trained and caring officers.”
Visit the Public Safety on Campus website for more information about the outstanding safety measures in place at UTHSC for the campus community and those the university serves