Predicting crisis is nearly impossible. Planning for it is essential. The University of Utah Public Safety Department led a unique, three-day tabletop exercise with campus safety leaders and partnering agencies this month to maximize training for such emergencies. Consultant BowMac Educational Services facilitated the hands-on experience Aug. 4 through 6. Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires […]
Read MoreIn October 2025, Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires was invited to join The Lauren McCluskey Foundation’s board of directors. This new role is expanding opportunities for Chief Squires to advance campus safety conversations nationally and complements his ongoing leadership at a state-level. On February 12, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation is recognizing what would be Lauren’s […]
Read MoreThe University of Utah will host the 4th annual Utah Campus Safety Summit on March 19, 2026. This year’s theme, Preventing & Preparing for Active Threats on Campus, focuses on proactive measures to reduce risk and enhance emergency readiness across Utah’s educational institutions. The summit will emphasize collaborative prevention and preparedness and address both psychological […]
Read MoreThe U is adopting a nationally recognized Standard Response Protocol and updating its emergency alerts to ensure more people receive critical safety information faster. The changes are designed to support active threat response programs and align emergency communications with standardized procedures used nationwide. Together, these updates aim to help U students, faculty and staff take […]
Read MoreThe Department of Public Safety has launched a new institutional-wide framework to guide safety and security improvements at the University of Utah, which will better prepare the campus for public safety emergencies, including active threats. The objectives of the Public Safety Framework are to: Promote knowledge and skills so that faculty, staff, students and the […]
Read MoreThe University of Utah Department of Public Safety is proud to celebrate Major Heather Sturzenegger, who recently graduated from the esteemed FBI National Academy Session #296 in Quantico, Virginia. This internationally recognized program brings together a select group of law-enforcement leaders making her selection and successful completion a significant achievement. Major Sturzenegger excelled throughout the […]
Read MoreUPDATE: August Beckwith was found safe on December 10, 2025. The disappearance of any individual is a deeply distressing event, particularly for their loved ones. As August Beckwith remains missing since his disappearance on November 17, the University of Utah Department of Public Safety is providing the following update for those who have been following […]
Read MoreAt the University of Utah, the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community is our highest priority. We understand that in moments of uncertainty or fear, clear and timely information is essential. We also recognize that the process of sending campus alerts can sometimes be confusing or frustrating—especially when information seems delayed or incomplete. […]
Read MoreBicycles and e-scooters are a popular and eco-friendly way to get around campus, but at the University of Utah, they’ve also become a target for theft—especially when left unsecured. “The University of Utah Police Department takes bike theft seriously and works hard to keep campus safe—yet thefts persist because of poorly secured bikes,” said Lieutenant […]
Read MoreHow the U is Reinforcing Emergency Preparedness Through Summer Fire Drills When it comes to campus safety, preparation is everything. That’s why each summer, the University of Utah conducts a series of unannounced fire evacuation drills across the main academic campus. These drills help build a culture of readiness. This year’s drills, to be held […]
Read MoreA chance encounter in Las Vegas formed a bond between two officers.
Read MoreAfter her teammate and friend Lauren McCluskey was murdered, Mesa Weidle was full of grief and fear. “I was afraid to even walk around campus and it altered my life pretty significantly,” the 2019 University of Utah graduate said. “Attending my first SASS Go class helped me reclaim my safety and empowered me in so […]
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