‘Arrests are not enough’: UT leaders call out prosecutors, judicial system in letter about campus safety

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin released a statement Friday regarding the safety and security of its students.

In the statement, the university said families, students, faculty, staff and visitors were "rightly frustrated."

“When individuals threaten student safety with violent and criminal behavior, our law enforcement have been steadfast in making necessary arrests to remove these threats. But arrests are not enough. We must be able to work hand in hand with prosecutors and the local judicial system to make sure these offenders stay off our campus,” UT Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said.

According to UT, a violent offender who was arrested three times over the past three days continued to be arrested and released. That person then returned to the "Drag," on Guadalupe Street near campus, to threaten and physically assault UT students.

Over the years, UT said it has invested millions of dollars to improve the safety of the campus. The improvements included infrastructure like lights, cameras, and additional law enforcement.

“We will continue to do whatever is necessary to make sure our students live, work and learn in a safe environment,” UT said.

Interim UT President Jim Davis said in the statement he spoke Friday with Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, writing, "we must find a solution. Our students and their families are counting on it."