Saint Xavier Newspaper Editorial Board,
I would like to comment about your recent editorial on the Parkside Apartment student relocation and what, if any, steps the Public Safety Department took to assist in the overall safety of the students. I felt your readers deserved clarification on the Public Safety’s role and actions taken. First and foremost, your editorial stated that “perhaps” the Public Safety Department could have done more for the safety of the students.
Had your staff asked me, you would have been informed of the following: Due to the fact that the damage being caused at the Parkside building was criminal in nature the overall responsibility for reporting, investigating, and follow-up fell under the Chicago Police Department‘s jurisdiction. As with other criminal actions on campus we work jointly with the investigating agency and in the Parkside case it was determined that the damage appeared to target the businesses on the bottom floor of the Parkside Apartments and was not directed toward students.
That said, the University was still concerned about the damage and potential of students being hurt and as a result a special attention was placed on the building which increased Public Safety patrols while we kept in communication with the Chicago Police, and the building owner.
University personnel started ongoing dialogue with Parkside residents, Parkside business operator, the building owner, the Chicago Police Department, and the 19th Ward Alderman’s Office.
The situation was constantly monitored and as the incidents continued so did the University’s response; ultimately leading to a discussion with President Wiseman and the Cabinet who after being apprized of the facts decided the situation was continuing to be fluid and that for the safety of the students the University would end its relationship at Parkside.
In closing, although the Public Safety Department cannot always share facts or strategies about every on-going investigation, I have certainly made myself available to the newspaper staff and I would ask going forward that the Editorial Board take due diligence to confirm facts and not publish their opinion on speculation only.
Rest assured the Public Safety Department strives to provide the best service and safety to our university community by working jointly with other university departments, faculty, staff members, students and community partners. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Thank you,
Jack Touhy, Chief of Police
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