Standard Response Protocol: Know It Before You Need It
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Read MoreCategory: Safety News
Helping Ensure Lauren’s Promise is Shared
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In 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 MoreReady for the Semester: Building a Safe, Supportive Campus Together
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Your feedback matters. When you stop to talk with us, ask questions, or share concerns, you help shape how we serve the University of Utah.
Read MoreA Thoughtful, Proactive Approach to Campus Safety
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Campus safety is often discussed in response to crisis. At the University of Utah, however, much of the most important work happens well before an incident occurs, through planning, training, and coordination across campus. That proactive approach is a hallmark of Keith Squires, the University’s chief safety officer. Recently appointed as co-chair of the Utah […]
Read More2026 Utah Campus Safety Summit scheduled for March 19
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The 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 MoreUniversity of Utah adopts Standard Response Protocol, expands emergency alerts
The 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 MoreUniversity of Utah Public Safety Framework Launched
The 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 MoreMajor Heather Sturzenegger Graduates from the Prestigious FBI National Academy
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The 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 MoreComprehensive efforts in the search for August Beckwith
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UPDATE: 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 MorePhone Scams: Law enforcement impersonation
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The Department of Public Safety is receiving an uptick of reports of internet and phone scams, specifically targeting our campus community. Recent scams include individuals posing as local law enforcement officers and requesting that students or employees pay a fine, or make a payment to avoid arrest. These types of scammers may say they’re from […]
Read MoreU of U Public Safety Joins the 2025 Race for Campus Safety
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Members of the University of Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) joined students, families, and advocates at the Lauren McCluskey Foundation’s Race for Campus Safety on November 8. The annual event honors Lauren’s life and legacy by raising awareness and funds to improve how colleges prevent and respond to relationship violence and stalking. Heidi Franks, […]
Read MoreAlerting U: How and when the University of Utah communicates about campus safety
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At 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. […]
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