Temple University's public safety vice president, Jennifer Griffin, is set to depart in June after a challenging tenure marked by significant changes in policing. Griffin's leadership has been pivotal in addressing the university's safety concerns, particularly in the wake of the tragic shooting death of Samuel Collington and the subsequent challenges faced by the North Philadelphia campus.
Griffin's achievements include implementing all 68 recommendations from a safety audit conducted by former Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey's firm. She has been instrumental in reducing violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, robberies, and thefts, in the patrol zone. Her efforts have been recognized with the national campus safety director of the year award in 2025 by Campus Safety Magazine.
However, Temple University has continued to grapple with police officer staffing issues, a problem shared by many departments nationally. The university has faced criticism from the police officer union for not doing enough to attract and retain officers. Temple police union leaders even called for Griffin's resignation in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Temple University has made significant strides in improving safety. The university has increased salaries and benefits, added signing and retention bonuses, and hired an associate director to focus on hiring, recruitment, retention, and training. They have also implemented 12-hour shifts to provide officers with more days off.
Temple President John Fry has credited Griffin with the monumental task of implementing the Ramsey recommendations. He has praised her efforts in sharpening operational readiness and fostering a culture centered on wellness, professionalism, and excellence. However, Fry acknowledges the ongoing challenges, stating that the university is committed to achieving the desired officer staffing levels.
Griffin's departure is seen as a strategic move, allowing her to transition to new opportunities, including her role on national law enforcement and university boards. She expressed pride in her accomplishments and looked forward to supporting the next leader in her role.
