The University's reforms in favor of tighter on- and near-campus security began in 1996, following the murder of biochemist Vladimir Sled and the skyrocketing overall crime rates.
The 38-year-old Russian-born researcher was walking with his fiancee near Larchwood Avenue and 43rd Street when he was stabbed to death while fighting an assailant who attempted to steal his fiancee's purse.
Bridgette Black -- a 27-year-old female who was unaffiliated with the University -- was charged with third degree murder for her involvement on the case.
Yvette Stewart -- a 30 year-old female who was also unaffiliated with the University -- was convicted of robbery and third-degree murder.
The murder sparked a number of security improvements on campus and, since 1996, crime has decreased by 49 percent. There were 1,589 crimes reported to the Penn Police in 1996, compared to 805 in 2004.
Additional security measures include a video surveillance system, closed-circuit television and the increased presence of security personnel, particularly uniformed and plainclothes police officers.
Many of these security features have become selling points for the University, and other schools around the country have used the Penn system as an example to follow.
-- Alanna Kaufman
