Receipt of the grant is one element of a comprehensive initiative being developed by the University, to foster a safer Main Street and UD community through education and outreach about safety norms, and greater awareness of and compliance with vehicle and pedestrian regulations.

Safety first

Article by Christopher A. Vito Photos by Evan Krape September 10, 2025

A grant from Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety will bring enhanced safety education and enforcement on and around Main Street

Safety has always been — and remains — the foremost commitment of the University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD). This commitment takes on new meaning for the new academic year.

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety recently awarded a $15,000 grant to be divided equally between UDPD and the Newark Police Department. The funds will help both agencies increase their physical presence in key areas on and near UD’s campus. Aiming to bring enhanced safety to some of Newark’s most-traversed thoroughfares, UDPD and NPD seek to better engage with and educate pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on best practices and acceptable behaviors.

“It’s important to recognize that the obligation and responsibility for maintaining safety on campus and on the roadways around campus doesn’t fall squarely on just one of us; it belongs to all of us, including motorists and pedestrians,” said UDPD Lieutenant Anthony Battle, who has been with the department for nearly 18 years.

UD Police officers already are strategically placed throughout campus during class changes and at other high-volume times of the day. The grant from Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety allows UDPD to “expand this important initiative,” Battle said, by maintaining an even more visible presence along the parts of Newark’s Main Street that are contiguous to UD property — near its intersections with Academy Street and South College Avenue, for example, and around Trabant Student Center. UDPD also will target Delaware Avenue, near South College Avenue and around the North Green, where foot traffic is aplenty.

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety recently awarded a $15,000 grant to be divided equally between UDPD and the Newark Police Department. The funds will help both agencies increase their physical presence in key areas on and near UD’s campus.

Battle said it's common to see motorists speeding or failing to honor traffic signals in these areas — as well as minor offenses, like pedestrians entering the roadway, jaywalking, or failing to use designated crosswalks.

When these infractions are observed, UD Police will interact with motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists with a heavy emphasis on education, Battle said. Officers will distribute printed materials to UD students and engage with them and others in discussions about safety norms and expectations.

“We all have an obligation to do everything we can to ensure safety,” Battle said.

In addition, Newark Police is developing a companion awareness campaign with social media videos and content to further educate the public.

“We acknowledge that unsafe behaviors are happening every day,” said Newark Police public information officer Lieutenant Gregory D’Elia. “Our message is to be as safe as possible, be patient with lights and safety systems, and ensure you are always in compliance with the law.”

According to UDPD and NPD, both agencies will issue citations for violations, as necessary.

“While education will be our top priority, it’s worth sharing with our Blue Hen community, visitors to Newark, and our Newark neighbors that enforcement is another critical component of this UDPD initiative,” Battle said. “Our focus will be to enter into conversations regarding best practices and monitor these areas for compliance.”