<p>Here is the update sent to students. One was also sent to parents:</p>
<p>Notice to the Community</p>
<p>I regret to inform the USC community of the tragic death of one of our
own. Cinematic Arts student Bryan Richard Frost was stabbed during an
early morning off-campus altercation, and was pronounced dead after
transport to California Hospital. After the stabbing, the assailant
fled the scene. The incident is being aggressively investigated by
LAPD.</p>
<p>I know that you join me in sympathy for Bryan’s family and friends.
This young man was clearly highly accomplished and motivated; he was
pursuing his second bachelor’s degree at USC. As his colleagues and
co-students, we are all grieving today. Anyone affected by this tragedy
is asked to contact the Student Counseling Center or Student Affairs.</p>
<p>Last night’s incident was highly unusual in that an unfortunate turn
of events brought about violence when an argument turned into a
fistfight and then a stabbing. Overall, crime in our community has been
steadily decreasing in the past two years, but this tragic death, and
earlier instances this semester remind us that personal safety and
community safety begins with each individual in the Trojan Family.</p>
<p>We remind our students to avail themselves of the many protections in
place to ensure their safety and to encourage their friends to do so as
well. Presentations on safety and security are given at orientation, at
residence halls, and through the Greek Council and Student Government
throughout the year. Through the “United for a Safer Community
Campaign,” we monthly walk our neighborhoods and provide crime
deterrence information to residents and community members.</p>
<p>The Campus Cruiser system is available to provide rides to students
from 5 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. each day. On average, about 4,000 trips are
conducted each week through this system. We will be immediately
reviewing this system to see what we need to do to encourage more
students to use it, and to see whether we need to extend the night-time
hours of operation.</p>
<p>USC has one of the nation’s largest university-based public safety
offices, with more than 230 security officers and staff members. DPS
patrols the University Park campus and the surrounding area constantly,
and works very closely with LAPD to pay special attention to emerging
threats and situations in the community. On any night, during the peak
hours of student activity in and around the campus, a minimum of 35 DPS
members are patrolling or serving at fixed stations to deter crime and
respond to calls for service. During other times a minimum of 20
members are doing the same.</p>
<p>In addition, DPS recently signed a new memorandum of understanding with
the LAPD that provided additional support to the campus community
through the assignment of an LAPD detective, a senior lead officer, and
a night-time LAPD patrol vehicle to the UPC. This is allowing us to
provide a more coordinated approach to crime suppression. Over the last
two years, we have also worked together to increase physical and
electronic monitoring in many high-traffic areas both on- and
off-campus.</p>
<p>Despite all of these preparations and systems in place, the security of
the members of the Trojan Family is a collective responsibility.
Students are reminded that each individual is the first link in the
chain of security. Please remember that Trojans helping Trojans can
suppress crime in our community.</p>
<p>Again, our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Bryan
Frost – we will keep them in our thoughts.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Michael L. Jackson
Vice President for Student Affairs</p>