Temple University taps former police commissioner for safety audit

Temple University has tapped former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to audit the school's campus safety operations.

Why it matters: Ramsey's hiring is part of the university's efforts to boost protections for students, staff and North Philadelphia residents after homicides reached an all-high and carjackings rose dramatically last year.

The big picture: The calls for an audit follow the death of Temple student Samuel Sean Collington, who was shot and killed during an attempted robbery near campus in November.

• Nearly 40 people have been killed in Philly so far this year, as of Wednesday.

What they're saying: With gun violence rising throughout the city, officials began reviewing campus safety measures in December, said Charles Leone, executive director of public safety at the university.

• Costs to hire Ramsey and the full scope of the audit have yet to be determined, Leone said.

State of play: Temple has between 105-110 police officers and spends at least $28 million a year on public safety.

• Of note: The spending total doesn't account for some safety measures, such as surveillance cameras.

Flashback: Ramsey served as commissioner under former Mayor Michael Nutter between 2008-16.

• Homicides decreased during Ramsey's tenure, going from 331 in 2008 to 277 in 2016, according to the police department's online database.

What's next: The audit is expected to take several months to complete.