When a system can be almost entirely revamped without any additional costs, the head deserves praise.

Under Thomas Robbins, the Boston University Police Department chief, BUPD has devised a new strategy to effectively reorganize operations. The plan for a safer campus has been part of Robbins’s vision since he assumed Robert Shea’s position in June.

But it comes as no surprise to see Robbins doing great things. Before taking his current position, he had 28 years of experience in the field, including superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. And he has maintained his momentum since coming on campus.

It took some time to evaluate the system, but Robbins brought in Strategic Policy Partnership to make sure the assessments were extensive. And the plan he developed will make an already well-received law enforcement team look more like the Keystone Kops compared to the improved BUPD.

Robbins’s goal is to turn the reactionary BUPD unit into a preventative one. Designating officers to specific zones will quicken incident reaction times, which are already rapid for a force of just 42 officers. Denser patrols in each area will also be an effective scare tactic, hopefully daunting enough to stop lawbreakers before they act.

But Robbins’s proposal has called for more than just scaring criminals. CompStat — computer-driven crime statistics — will locate dense crime spots through meticulous analysis and disperse cops appropriately. This will optimize resources.

And the chief wants his law enforcers to have a larger presence on campus. Robbins plans to update the BUPD website and rebuff freshmen’s orientation.

It does not seem an increased police presence will invade students’ day-to-day lives. Robbins seems adamant about seeking student input on how the campus can be policed. When he first came to BU, Robbins said he wanted to get involved and get community members’ input. His system makeover will accomplish this via monthly public meetings.

Though it would appear such a dramatic change would require additional funding, BUPD will simply adjust to its $4.3 million budget, demonstrating the chief’s ability to work within practical bounds to improve the department.

And Robbins has done a fantastic job keeping the university’s higher-ups informed with his changes, but students have not been told much. He must promote the upgrades to students so they are aware of heightened security. But as long as Robbins successfully advertises and carries out his announced plans, BUPD will become a more potent force on campus.