LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The University of Kentucky Police Department is increasing safety and security on the north side of campus. The addition of an unspecified number of late-night and early-morning officers starting this weekend is in response to recent incidents on campus.

“We are taking a more aggressive approach than we have ever done,” said Joe Monroe, Britain’s chief constable.

Lexington police say they responded to South Upper Street at 1 a.m. near Avenue of Champions after shots were fired in the area. No injuries were reported, but several vehicles were hit and a UK X post said the shooting happened off campus at Raising Cane’s.

The shooting prompted an emergency alert for the UK.

“Those shots hit the Cornerstone Garage, where our students study as well as where they hang out late at night,” Monroe said.

UKPD will increase the number of officers patrolling North Campus on Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 4am, adding temporary lighting to Winslow and Upper streets and restricting access to certain garages, one being The Cornerstone.

“This is located at Limestone and Upper and then we will also limit access to the Good Samaritan hospital garage,” Monroe said.

The Good Samaritan hospital garage at night was an area of ​​concern for UK police, according to Monroe. Historically, his department has assessed criminal activity over a 12-month period.

“Limestone Quarter has been a problem for a lot of activity over the last 12 to 18 months, and so that’s one of the reasons we’re really starting to ramp it up,” Monroe said.

Increasing security in this way is nothing new for UK police. They’ve done it before in different capacities, but Monroe is sending this message after multiple shootings were reported near UK this semester.

“This will not be tolerated on our campus or on our campus,” Monroe said.

UK Police are also looking at a lighting assessment around North Campus. That means installing permanent lighting, emergency cameras and blue towers.