MADISON, Wis., A new University of Wisconsin (UW) report warns that insufficient funding has lead to understaffing of the school systems’ police and security units.
Although the recommended officer-to-student ratio is two police officers for every 1,000 students, UW’s ratio is currently one per 1,000. Also as a result of recent budget cuts, smaller campuses often find it difficult to provide 24/7 coverage. Currently, some campuses cannot afford to have at least one officer on duty at all times.
Several UW campus police chiefs also say they have been prevented from developing prevention programs, paying for training, purchasing equipment and applying for grants.
These findings, along with others, will be presented to UW’s board of regents in the spring.
