We’ve shared the SafeD Athens co-founder’s interview by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution along with Dr. Dan Silk’s response regarding public safety at UGA. While awaiting publication on our rebuttal we’ve made it available here to ensure transparency. Our advocacy is well-informed and supported by students, UGA Parents for Safety and Security and the broader Athens community.

Our mission is nonpartisan and focused solely on advocating for essential safety and security enhancements. We operate with integrity, free from external influences, thanks to the generosity of individual donors. Our 501(c)(3) status ensures that all funds go directly to our cause, as we rely on volunteers—parents, students, and community members—who contribute their expertise pro bono. This model allows us to keep administrative costs low and channel more resources into our safety initiatives.

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The recent University of Georgia investment of $7.3 million towards safety enhancements on campus was highlighted in this recent GPB News article. As our SafeD Athens President Susan Monteverde mentions, UGA is making strides to enhance student safety and the investment aligns with several of our proposed initiatives which is commendable.

However, more could be done and questions still remain as to how comprehensive programming will be. “Layering” safety/security programs to mitigate risks is important. Without this comprehensive approach security gaps will exist. Security gaps become glaringly apparent with a tragic incident such as the brutal murder of Laken Riley this past February.

The announcements are being applauded by some public safety advocates in Athens — with some caveats.

“It’s an initial investment and we think more can be done,” said Susan Monteverde, of the anti-crime group SafeD Athens. “We’ve put forth programs and it seems like they’ve pulled from them with this investment without doing the whole entire program, so to speak.”

Monteverde says there needs to be better technological integration between the UGA and Athens-Clarke County police departments and more programs to address the needs of unhoused people, some of whom walk onto the UGA campus from the surrounding community, making students feel unsafe.

She advises students always to lock their vehicle and apartment doors, even if they expect to be away for just a moment, and to avoid walking alone.

Not all crime can be prevented, but layered levels of deterrence can make a significant difference.

Local Nonprofit SafeD Athens Promotes Additional Safety Measures in Wake of Alleged Murder