Safety News – University Department of Public Safety

University of Utah Police Host Critical Sexual Assault Investigation Training

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The University of Utah Department of Public Safety recently hosted a POST-certified Adult Sexual Assault Investigations course. This specialized training brought together campus law enforcement and local police agencies to enhance trauma-informed approaches to sexual assault cases. “The goal is to educate police officers and detectives on how to conduct sexual assault investigations properly. This […]

July 10, 2025

Reuban Torres named new Department of Public Safety captain

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Lieutenant Reuban Torres will be appointed to the position of Department of Public Safety captain effective June 1. Captain Torres will command the UUPD Patrol Operations. “I’ve been very impressed with Reuban’s expertise, experience and team-building skills,” said Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires. “He’s done a great job assisting our detectives and victim advocates in […]

May 30, 2025

Securing Graduation at the University of Utah

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As thousands of graduates and their families prepare to celebrate one of life’s major milestones at the University of Utah’s graduation ceremonies, a dedicated team of security professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everyone’s safety. Months of meticulous planning precede graduation day. From comprehensive venue assessments to coordinated emergency response plans, the Department […]

May 8, 2025

Data-Driven Safety: U of U Public Safety Reports Mixed Results in 2024

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One big thing: The University of Utah Department of Public Safety handled over 75,800 incidents in 2024, with a troubling 54% increase in healthcare worker assaults but encouraging decreases in vehicle-related crimes. Why it matters: As campus populations grow and reporting systems improve, understanding crime data in context helps the university community make informed […]

April 22, 2025

Utah’s Higher Education Leaders Unite to Strengthen Campus Safety

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One big thing: The third annual Campus Safety Summit brought together leaders from Utah’s education institutions and law enforcement agencies to enhance collaboration and develop innovative solutions for campus safety. Why it matters: The summit represents a significant step forward in creating a unified approach to campus safety across Utah’s educational landscape. By the […]

March 21, 2025

Preventing campus violence through behavioral threat assessment and management

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The University of Utah is building additional capacity to prevent campus violence through its Threat Assessment & Management Partnership (also known as TAMP). This newly expanded program is housed within the Department of Public Safety and benefits from the multi-disciplinary expertise of several departments across campus, including Behavioral Intervention Teams in both Student Affairs and […]

February 13, 2025

Meet the Four-Legged Heroes of Campus Safety

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Safety News

At the University of Utah Department of Public Safety, some of our most valuable team members walk on four legs. The K-9 unit, led by Sergeant Matt Feltenberger, consists of three highly trained dogs and their dedicated handlers who work tirelessly to keep our campus community safe. Eva, partnered with Sergeant Feltenberger, is a […]

February 3, 2025

Pathways for reporting hate-motivated incidents on campus

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At the University of Utah, we have a shared responsibility for creating a campus of belonging – one that is free from violent, threatening, and discriminatory behavior. While free speech, controversial ideas, and even harmful language are protected by the U.S. Constitution, hate crimes, threats of violence, and discrimination that violate the law or University […]

January 7, 2025

Health Security Team Redefines Hospital Safety

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The University of Utah Department of Public Safety’s Health Security team plays a vital role in maintaining safety at the University of Utah Hospital. In a recent interview, Dustin Banks, Associate Executive Director of Facilities Management, and Glenn Smith, Director of Health Security, shared insights into the unique challenges and approaches to healthcare security on […]

December 17, 2024

U grad empowers women through self-defense classes

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After 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 […]

December 11, 2024

New crosswalk technology makes U crosswalks safer

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Safety News

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is making the pedestrian experience on the main roadways around the U campus safer by installing accessible pedestrian signal (APS) technology at crosswalks. “This new crosswalk technology benefits everyone by facilitating safe and independent movement through pedestrian networks regardless of age or ability,” said Mike Blanchette, UDOT traffic engineer. […]

October 25, 2024

Improving campus safety and engagement with electric bikes

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The Department of Public Safety recently expanded its use of electric bikes to increase visibility, community engagement and accessibility to all areas of campus. While e-bikes have been used by University Police since 2021, the Department of Public Safety recently expanded its fleet, thanks to a partnership with Rad Power Bikes. The 10 new e-bikes […]

October 16, 2024