Testimony of Jules Martin
Vice President for Global Security and Crisis Management
Before the New York City Council
For the Public Hearing on the New York University Core Project
June 29, 2012
Chair Weprin and Honorable Members of the City Council — Thank you very much for permitting me an opportunity to testify today in support of NYU’s proposal to develop new academic facilities in its core area.
I am Jules Martin, NYU’s Vice President for Global Security and Crisis Management. I know you have many speakers today, so I would like to make two brief points: about the value of housing freshman in our core, and how NYU contributes to safety in the neighborhood.
I am charged with safeguarding all members of the NYU community; however, the University feels a special responsibility, of course, for its undergraduates, and particularly its freshmen. Each year, some 4,500 new freshmen join the NYU community, the vast majority of them coming from outside New York City. They are eager to be in our city, and as long-serving member of the NYPD, I know how lucky they are to come to a city as safe as New York has become over the last 15 to 20 years. But I also know how important it is for them during this time of transition — their first year of living away from home; really, their first year of adulthood — to live in close proximity to Washington Square. This is where their classes will take place, where they will study for exams, where they will participate in student clubs and activities, where they will use computers and the library, and where student support services are concentrated. That is why living close to the core is such a wise objective for our freshmen and one that is reassuring to them and to their parents.
I also want to take this opportunity to tell you about NYU’s Public Safety Officers, and how these men and women contribute not just to the safety of NYU, but our entire neighborhood.
Altogether, NYU has over 300 trained, uniformed Public Safety officers — as large or larger a force of officers than many of New York City’s police precincts. Every one of our student residence halls has a NYU Public Safety Officer on post by the door on a 24/7 basis, and most of our other buildings have a Public Safety presence from early in the morning until late in the evening. That trained, widespread presence not only enhances the safety of the NYU community. It also enhances the safety of the larger neighborhood. Our Public Safety Officers provide additional sets of calm, trained, professional eyes on an around-the-clock basis that ensures a quick response to any emergency. Our facilities also provide safe harbors for anyone who feels threatened.
In recognition of the importance of helping our freshmen make the transition to college in an environment they feel is safe, and in recognition of the contributions that NYU’s Public Safety Department makes to the safety of the neighborhood, I strongly urge you to support the NYU 2031 proposals for NYU’s core.
Thank you.
