Baton Rouge, LA, October 17, 2025
News Summary
LSU officials have announced new security measures aimed at enhancing campus safety following recent incidents of gun violence. Unity Field will be fenced off indefinitely, and access will be restricted to vehicles with LSU parking permits. Approximately 600 trained officers will be deployed on gamedays. New technologies, including drone surveillance and advanced monitoring systems, will further bolster safety efforts. The university emphasizes its commitment to public safety and encourages vigilance from the community.
Baton Rouge, LA – LSU officials and Baton Rouge-area law enforcement announced new security measures on Thursday, Oct. 16, during a news conference aimed at enhancing safety on campus following recent gun violence incidents. Interim President Matt Lee confirmed that Unity Field, a site of significant problems including firearm-related incidents, will be fenced off indefinitely to prevent unauthorized access.
In an effort to tighten access, entrance from Highland Road to Unity Field will now be restricted to vehicles displaying LSU parking permits. This change comes as LSU prepares to implement additional guidance on gameday road closures in the coming days to further increase security.
Following the violence during LSU’s homecoming celebration, where two individuals aged 18 and 19 were shot on Highland Road by a 16-year-old suspect, and another incident in which a man accidentally shot himself in the leg near the ROTC building, the university has prioritized student and public safety. LSU officials also noted a previous shooting incident on Sept. 13, where a car was shot following a fight near the LSU Law Center.
As part of its commitment to ensuring a secure environment, LSU will enforce stricter rules against disorderly conduct and firearms on campus, with a particular focus on addressing illegal marijuana use. Offenders caught violating campus safety regulations will be detained. The police will also actively tackle issues such as underage drinking and large crowds that may detract from the family-friendly atmosphere that gameday is intended to foster.
The university plans to increase the visible presence of law enforcement on campus. The collaboration with Governor Landry aims to ensure that adequate resources and personnel are available during high-traffic events. Approximately 600 trained on-duty police officers from LSU Police, local law enforcement, and state agencies will be stationed on campus during gamedays to promote safety.
LSU is also adopting advanced technology to bolster its security efforts. The updates include enhanced drone surveillance, which will allow for real-time monitoring and the detection of illegal or dangerous activities, enabling rapid alerts to authorities. Additional technologies such as license plate readers and improved lighting will support these initiatives and assist in ongoing monitoring.
The university has made it clear that the safety and well-being of the community is its top priority, emphasizing a commitment to public safety. LSU encourages community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may observe.
Specific details regarding the new security measures will be communicated to the university’s constituents in the near future.
Key Features of LSU’s Enhanced Security Measures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fencing of Unity Field | To prevent unauthorized access |
| Restricted Access | Entrance via Highland Road limited to cars with LSU parking permits |
| Increased Law Enforcement | Approximately 600 on-duty officers available on gamedays |
| New Technology | Enhanced drone surveillance and real-time monitoring systems |
| Commitment to Safety | University prioritizes community safety and encourages reporting of suspicious activity |
FAQ
What changes are being made to Unity Field?
Unity Field will be fenced off for the foreseeable future.
What restrictions will be enforced for entrance access?
Entrance access from Highland Road will be limited to cars with LSU parking permits.
How many police officers will be present on gamedays?
Approximately 600 trained on-duty police officers from LSU Police, local law enforcement, and state agencies will be available to ensure safety on gamedays.
What new technologies will be utilized for safety?
LSU will employ advanced technologies such as license plate readers, camera networks, and upgraded lighting for real-time monitoring and rapid response.
What is LSU’s stance on community safety?
LSU stated that the safety and well-being of the community is their number-one priority and emphasized their commitment to public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Head-On Collision in Shreveport Claims Life
Tragic Train-SUV Collision Claims Two Lives in Shreveport
State Fair of Louisiana Plans for Safety and Fun
Tragic Train Crash in Shreveport Claims Two Lives
Tragic Shootings in Shreveport Leave Community in Shock
Governor Requests National Guard Deployment in Shreveport
17-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide in Shreveport
Shreveport’s Chuck Wagon Crawfish Targeted in Late-Night Burglary
Burglary at Chuck Wagon Crawfish Shakes Shreveport Community
Shreveport Business Offers Reward After Late-Night Burglary
Additional Resources
- LSU Reveille
- Wikipedia: University Security
- Unfiltered with Kiran
- Google Search: LSU gameday security
- WDSU News
- Google Scholar: LSU security measures
- KTBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University Security
- WAFB News
- Google News: LSU public safety
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
