Temple University's public safety vice president, Jennifer Griffin, is stepping down after a challenging tenure marked by significant policing changes. Griffin's departure comes as the university grapples with the aftermath of a student's tragic death and ongoing struggles with police officer staffing and community safety issues.
Griffin's leadership was pivotal in addressing the 68 recommendations from a safety audit conducted by former Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey's firm. During her tenure, violent crimes in the patrol zone decreased, and she was recognized as the national campus safety director of the year in 2025. However, the university faced criticism from the police officer union for not doing enough to attract and retain officers, leading to calls for Griffin's resignation in 2023.
Temple President John Fry, who prioritized campus safety upon taking office in November 2024, acknowledged the challenges in officer recruitment and retention. The university has been working to attract more officers by increasing salaries, benefits, and retirement contributions, as well as implementing 12-hour shifts. Despite these efforts, the department has lost more than 50 officers since 2022, according to the Temple University Police Association.
Fry praised Griffin's dedication and accomplishments, crediting her with implementing the Ramsey report's recommendations and sharpening operational readiness. He acknowledged the punishing nature of the job and respected Griffin's decision to transition to new opportunities. Griffin's departure highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety at Temple University, with the university facing criticism and calls for improvement in various aspects of its safety measures.
