Public Safety Policy in Practice today

Today, Public Safety is embracing a new approach, which prioritizes student well-being, community trust, and social responsibility. These policies reflect a shift from a traditional enforcement model to a more supportive, collaborative framework designed to meet the diverse needs of our campus.

Examples of New Public Safety Policy in Practice:

1. Focused Presence in Residence Halls
   Uniformed and armed officers will only enter residence halls when responding to active calls for service, helping to ensure that student living spaces remain welcoming, comfortable environments.

2. Introducing Social Work Support
   A Public Safety position has been reallocated to fund an evening social worker, offering specialized support to address the unique challenges faced by student residents during critical hours.

3. Responsible Crime Communications
   Ethnicity, gender, and physical descriptors of suspects will only be included in crime bulletins when a serious crime has occurred, a clear photo or video is available, and an ongoing threat to the community exists.

4. Partnerships for Education and Dialogue
   Public Safety actively collaborates with other university departments to host town halls, panel discussions, and seminars, and thereby creates opportunities for dialogue on social justice, safety, and community well-being.

5. Hiring for Representation and Equity
   The department is committed to recruiting and promoting qualified candidates who reflect the diverse student body, faculty, and staff, ensuring Public Safety is shaped by the very community it serves.