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Parking issues, security enhancements on first day of school at UCF in Orlando

By Kelly Healey
By Kelly Healey
It's the first day of school Monday for University of Central Florida students, and security enhancements are in place.
More than 67,000 students are enrolled at UCF.   
Students found themselves dealing with parking problems Monday. One student told Channel 9 that last semester, it took him an hour to find a parking spot.
However, other students opted for using the university’s “lime bikes,” which allow students to rent bicycles on campus to get to class.  

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"I’ve used it all the time since I moved in here on Friday. I've actually already used it multiple times," UCF student Aaron Bell said.
University officials said they are always evaluating the parking and transportation issues on campus.
Officials said students will see heavy traffic the first couple of weeks, but the university is also offering shuttles for students. 
Meanwhile, UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger talked about the security changes and additions on campus.
"We just spent $2 million on access control, security enhancements, and I think when parents see that, that should comfort them," Metzger said.
On his first day as police chief, Metzger spent the day helping families haul items into their campus housing.
"It makes us feel a bit more assured of his safety. We live in Coral Springs. We are just a stone’s throw away from Stoneman Douglas High School, so, that is still fresh in our minds," parent Earl Lewis said.

The chief, along with 75 sworn-in UCF officers, will be keeping a close eye on campus. Officers will be equipped with body cameras.

There are three ways to activate the Bluetooth technology cameras: When an officer turns on his blue lights, when an officer uses a Taser, and when an officer pulls his gun.
"The last piece is every officer with a camera within a 30-foot radius of any of these devices, their cameras will automatically activate as well," Metzger said.
Metzger said he will be hiring nine officers when the downtown campus opens in about a year.

The Class of 2022 is already off to a great start 🤗

Posted by University of Central Florida on Friday, August 17, 2018

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