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 entire campus community are prepared to respond if/when a critical incident occurs.
• Align the U’s physical planning efforts, operational protocols and systems to proactively identify, prevent and mitigate public safety risks.
• Reduce the potential for harm to students, faculty, staff and patients when critical incidents occur on campus.

The Public Safety Framework provides an approach for higher education that complements school safety efforts in Utah and across the nation, while acknowledging that our campus geography, dynamic workplace settings and large-scale special events introduce additional vulnerabilities that are not encountered in public school settings.

The Public Safety Framework is a phased strategy that includes 5 pillars and 20 priority action areas that will guide the University of Utah over the coming years. Several priority areas have been identified for implementation in 2026, with three key initiatives beginning this month.

Updating Training to Prevent and Prepare for Active Threats

A new introductory training video is now required for all University faculty and staff on preventing, preparing, and responding to active threats through Learning Hub and Hospital and Clinics Learning Management System (LMS).  This online 10-minute video is also available to students and parents on the Department of Public Safety’s website and will be formally  integrated as part of student Community Standards Courses during Fall 2026 enrollment.

While the U can’t eliminate all threats and hazards that may impact the campus, equipping faculty, staff and students with the training and confidence to identify behavioral concerns that might signal an attack, and how to respond effectively, will allow everyone to protect themselves and support others if an active threat situation were to occur.

The Department of Public Safety has also developed a more in-depth 60-minute training module that is available to all students, staff, and faculty virtually. The curriculum is based on training developed by the Texas School Safety Center and helps individuals understand the psychological responses they may have during a disaster situation and how to make a plan so you can act quickly. It also emphasizes training on how to identify behaviors of concern that might indicate someone is on the pathway to violence.

University of Utah staff and faculty can access both training videos in the university’s Learning Management Systems (via Learning Hub or Hospitals & Clinics LMS). Students can access the in-depth 60-minute training via the Department of Public Safety’s website. Additional in-person offerings for departments/units will be rolled out during the Spring 2026 semester.

The Department of Public Safety is also working with University of Utah Health to develop custom training that addresses the specific needs of responding to active threat situations in healthcare settings. These trainings will be available in Pulse by summer of 2026.

Aligning the University of Utah’s Emergency Response Protocols with Utah’s K-12 System

The U’s new emergency response protocols will align with nationally recognized standards recently adopted in Utah’s K-12 system and other states, known as the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The new terminology ensures continuity in training throughout a student’s educational experience. Using consistent protocols also enables law enforcement, fire, dispatch and EMS professionals to rely on a common language and make emergency responses more efficient.

The SRP terminology is designed to provide clarity and uniformity in any emergency, including active threat situations. More information on the U’s use of the Standard Response Protocol will be provided throughout the month of January and can be found here: https://emergency.utah.edu/srp/.

Enhancing the Campus Alert System to Support Active Threat Situations and SRP

The campus alert system is moving from an opt-in to a nationally recognized opt-out model. The opt-out model allows more of the campus community to receive important messages faster.

Additionally, changes in communication procedures will align with the new active threat training and the Standard Response Protocol.

Details regarding changes to the campus alert system will be announced throughout the semester.