CU security updates perimeter policies following campus stabbing

Creighton University’s Public Safety Department updated nighttime patrols and building access Wednesday, along 24th and California streets, following student concerns about an off-campus knife attack near university grounds.  

The adjustments come after Omaha police arrested a suspect in an April stabbing that injured a 19-year-old Creighton student near 24th and Cass streets. Student government representatives met with security staff this month to address nighttime travel safety and emergency preparedness along the eastern perimeter.  

Justin Burgett, a Creighton University fire safety specialist who works closely with Public Safety, said teams across departments are auditing campus infrastructure to reinforce response readiness.  

“Whenever and incident occurs near our university borders, our team immediately reviews both structural emergency systems and staff deployment to identify gaps in our campus safety,” Burgett said. “Working alongside public safety officers allows us to make sure that communication and security checks operate with no delay.”  

Burgett added that student awareness remains a central focus as safety personnel expand physical walk-throughs across adjacent residence halls and academic halls.  

“Our priority is ensuring that students feel secure walking to classes and living quarters after dark,” Burgett said. “Visible safety operation helps reassure the campus community.”   

In addition to building checks, public safety maintenance crews inspected all 42 Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes according to university records published on Public Safety’s website.   

The review verified that all emergency stations are alert and remain functional.  

Oliver Jensen, a senior in the College of Arts and Science, shares his concerns on Public Safety’s overall initiative after the spring incident earlier this year. 

“I know that no public safety organization can ever eliminate the risk or possibility of injury or harm, but I do feel like there has been a lack of communication with students on hazards on campus or actions being taken to mitigate student risk in an urban campus,“ Jensen said. “I think the steps being taken are great, albeit probably needed previously.” 

Jensen said clearer communication about campus safety measures would help students better understand how the university responds to incidents.  

“I think Creighton could do a better job publicizing incidents and steps being taken while continuing to invest in safety. I think officers carrying a less lethal deterrent would also be a huge step in the right direction rather than essentially having the choice between lethal force and a verbal warning,” Jensen said. 

Jensen said additional security measures could help address student concerns about nighttime safety and the department’s response capabilities. 

In response to student safety concerns, Public Safety officials continue to encourage students to use the POM Safe app and request security escorts when traveling late at night.