DPS Annual Report 2023 WEB

Department of Public Safety

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Two years ago, President Randall offered me the privilege and responsibility to structure and advance the university’s Department of Public Safety so that it can become a model department with services and practices that protect, assist, and serve every member of our amazing community. Our efforts are being designed to take advantage of nationally recognized best practices. We are creating innovations that will benefit other public safety agencies and their communities as well.

“We hear you, we believe you, and we are responding to your requests for services and assistance”: My team and I have made this commitment to many in our University of Utah community as we continue to build the Department of Public Safety. University Police, Campus Security, Health Security, Emergency Management, Crime Victim Advocates, and Clery Compliance all share the same core philosophy of “We are here to serve you”. It doesn’t matter if you need an escort to your car, need help as a patient in our health care system, or just received a mes-

sage about an emergency on campus, the Department of Public Safety is using the opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to your safety and security. We have established the highest professional standards for the department and carefully consider every applicant who is seeking to serve our great community as a professional member of our public safety team. We continue to work hard for everyone’s safety and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of conduct.

The University of Utah’s Department of Public Safety continues to enhance our services. We are working diligently toward nationally recognized accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Our efforts are designed for engaging community members in this strategic development and in regular engagement with our team through the Public Safety Advisory Committee, the SafeU Student Ambassador program, Presidential Interns, listening sessions, the Independent Review Committee, and more. We have established integrated relationships with our partner university departments to ensure coordination, collaboration, and effective delivery of community resources.

Feeling safe and welcomed, and having a sense of belonging are imperative for members of our community to thrive, heal, and focus on their aspirations and goals. The Department of Public Safety is committed to leading with respect and empathy as we work together to create a safe and empowered campus community.

Keith D. Squires Chief Safety Officer

VISION STATEMENT

Uniting for a safe and empowered campus community

MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Utah Department of Public Safety cultivates a safe environment by:

• Uniting with the campus community to implement safety programs that meet our community needs

• Respectfully empowering students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors with education, training, and resources

• Listening to the needs of the campus community with compassion

• Advocating for underserved populations

• Fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and accountability

STRATEGIC PLAN

The Department of Public Safety’s 5-Year strategic plan (2021-2025) is guided by the following goals .

Goal #1: Achieve Operational Excellence

• Develop, grow, and innovate program and service offerings

• Improve business processes and systems for consistency and to increase efficiencies

• Focus on professional standards

Goal #2: Strengthen Trust with the Community

• Commit to community service and engagement

• Strengthen accountability and transparency

• Support student and community education and development

Goal #3: Invest in Talent Development

• Enhance professional development and training

• Recruit, hire, and retain individuals who support the department’s mission and represent the diversity of the community we serve

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISIONS

The University of Utah’s first safety operations started in 1944 with two to three “night watchmen . ”

Now 80 years later, the Department of Public Safety includes the Office of the Chief Safety Officer, University Police (which includes our Crime Victim Advocates and Emergency Communications), Campus Security, Health Security, and Emergency Management .

The Department of Public Safety also works closely with city and county law enforcement, as well as state and federal authorities, to ensure a coordinated response to safety and security issues

ACCREDITATION

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is creating new policies and revising existing polices and procedures in their application for state accreditation with the Utah Chiefs of Police Association (UCOPA) and nationally through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) This is an extensive process that includes demonstrating compliance with a combined 400 professional standards and rigorous on-site assessments Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires has applied for these accreditations to advance his initiatives for increased department transparency, accountability, professionalism, and to ensure the highest quality of public safety services are being delivered to our community

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The Office of the Chief Safety Officer oversees Professional Standards for the Department of Public Safety and ensures that all complaints received are investigated appropriately Oversight provided by our Executive Officer allows our team to maintain the highest level of ethics and professionalism by all members of our department

NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

The University of Utah unveiled its new Department of Public Safety building in November 2022 and celebrated our first full year of occupancy in 2023 . The building provides our team with the technology updates we need to be successful in the modern world, along with the ability to collaborate across our department in new and innovative ways, and also provides improved community access to our services and programs

Building features include:

• Dedicated “soft” interview room for victim/survivors

• Secure entrance with 24/7 public access

• Large classroom space open to the community for trainings, workshops, and convenings

• Kennels for our K-9 unit

• Increased dispatch capacity and ability to encrypt public safety radio frequency

• Improved access to 500 South for faster emergency responses

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

UNIVERSITY POLICE

The Chief Safety Officer is responsible for overseeing all services of the University of Utah Department of Public Safety and Police U Police provides services 24/7/365 Our Patrol, Investigations, and Administrative units serve and protect members of the U community, including students, employees, visitors, and patients, as well as their property

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Our peace officers were assigned to 13,451 calls in 2023. Over 80% of arrests and citations issued involved individuals who are unaffiliated with the university, and over 57% of responses were for incidents within the Health Sciences system.

• Our Crime Data Analyst position delivers real-time information to the Chief Safety Officer and others regarding campus crimes, suspects, and possible campus crime patterns. This position works closely with all of our University DPS Team, Utah’s Statewide Information & Analysis Center (SIAC), as well as federal partners at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

• Our Community Oriented Police unit provided formal presentations and trainings to students, faculty, and staff through new student orientations, community events, block parties, and webinars. Topics included personal safety, active aggressor training, empowerment/self-defense, and de-escalation.

• The Chief Safety Officer created a dedicated police team that is assigned full time to our University Health hospitals to enhance services and response times.

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Our Investigations Division is comprised of detectives and crime victim/survivor advocates who specialize in areas such as domestic violence and sexual assault, technology-related crimes, burglaries and theft, and working in a healthcare setting . In addition to their extensive law enforcement experience, our team has certifications in trauma-informed interviewing, search warrant/subpoena writing, and forensic analysis of electronic devices Our crime victim/survivor advocates empower individuals to make informed decisions after they experience a crime and work closely with campus partners to provide coordinated responses and services .

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Over 800 cases were investigated by our Investigations Division in 2023.

• In 2023, we introduced new lethality assessment protocols for interpersonal violence/domestic violence cases and a Sexual Assault Survivor’s Guide to help individuals navigate the criminal reporting system.

• Our Crime Victim/Survivor Advocates provided 8,760 hours of on-call coverage in 2023. They also expanded their coordination and services with the Office of Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action and assisted in developing the University & College Campus Victim/Survivor Advocates Network across Utah.

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

CAMPUS SECURITY

The Campus Security Division provides proactive security services, fosters strong relationships with campus communities, and collaborates with our internal department partners . Our unarmed security officers serve the campus community 24/7/365 Services include campus patrol, security escorts, building lock/unlock, motor vehicle assists, contracted security services, and event security .

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Campus Security expanded its training program to provide officers with more knowledge, skills, and tools to better serve our campus community. These required training courses include de-escalation, patrol techniques, crowd management, crisis intervention, fire safety, and ID verification.

• This division increased the number of contracts with various organizations on campus in need of specialized or additional security services. These organizations benefited from personalized security services to fit their organization’s specific need.

• Our campus security professionals provided:

• 873 Motor Vehicle Assists

• 2,578 Security Escorts

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Chief Safety Officer and Department of Public Safety team are responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for all who attend our University’s many amazing events

Our Special Events team supports safety preparation, planning, and delivery of public safety services for concerts, athletic, and sporting events These efforts require a high level of coordination between University Police, Main Campus Security, Health Security, Emergency Communications, local law enforcement partners and federal agencies (such as the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security) The Special Events team provides continuous coordination with personnel from the other University service departments .

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 680 special events and security details were staffed in 2023, totaling over 20,700 service hours combined.

• The Utah vs. Florida football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium required an unprecedented number of police officers and security personnel due to its record-breaking attendance (53,600+)

• The Chief Safety Officer commissioned an independent safety and security assessment and made recommendations to university administrators that weapons detection equipment be utilized for major events.

• The Jon M. Huntsman Center was a key venue for the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend, and the Department of Public Safety provided specialized coordination with Salt Lake City Police Department, media, and private security details. This three-day event yielded an estimated $294 million in economic impact for the state of Utah.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Emergency Communications is the heart of our university’s emergency response system Our communications professionals operate 24/7/365 and respond to both emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls (801-585-COPS) .

Our dispatch professionals also operate public safety radio frequencies, perform record checks, monitor campus alarms, coordinate with neighboring public safety agencies, and coordinate dispatch for police, fire, security, and medical resources for all of campus . Our Emergency Communications teams logged over 83,500 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) incidents in 2023

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

HEALTH SECURITY

University of Utah Health Security seeks to deliver the utmost in safety and security for our patients, staff, and visitors

In support of our zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence, University of Utah Health Security has implemented strategies for response, case management, risk assessment, and training/education

Our Health Security division plans to continue its expansion into University of Utah community clinics, which will ensure that U of U Health employees, as well as patients and visitors, receive the same level and standards of protection throughout our healthcare system

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Our team of 154 security professionals worked closely with our dispatch team to field more than 75,000 incoming calls in 2023

• New cost-saving initiatives to ensure financial prudence without compromising quality of service

• Multiple security assessments helped us determine optimized placement for new cameras, panic alarms, and badge readers throughout our facilities, as well as upgrades to infant alarm systems to ensure the safety of all our patients

Health Security Investigations Unit (SIU)

The Security Investigations Unit is tasked with the management of patients and visitors who are exhibiting behaviors of concern Our specially trained professionals respond to an average of 50 behavioral emergency responses each month

ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• University Hospital experienced over 800 cases of assaultive or threatening behavior in 2023, with SIU responding to the majority of these cases

• Our team completed extensive training in crisis management and de-escalation from both the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and the State of Utah’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

Healthcare Facility Expansions

• Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s new Receiving Center opened its new addition in 2023 The best practices and process improvements for healthcare security will be rolled into the new Community Crisis Center, a broader diversion program for law enforcement and the criminal justice system in Salt Lake County .

• The grand opening of the Kathryn F. Kirk Center and attached parking structure introduced new staffing, logistical, and operational challenges that were successfully resolved by our team of professionals

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Emergency Management Division prepares the U community for natural or human-caused hazards by conducting planning, training, exercises, and response . We work closely with University Police and numerous campus partners who have responsibility, personnel, and expertise to address threats and hazards like active aggressor situations, protests, earthquakes, severe weather, and power outages

Our goal is to maximize human safety and survival, minimize danger, preserve university property, restore normal working conditions, and assure responsive communications within our campus community, surrounding neighborhoods, and media outlets

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• 23 activations of our emergency operations/incident management team in 2023, including both planned (i.e. athletic events and concerts) and unplanned events (outages, severe weather, protests)

• 24 special events that required advanced planning and coordination, including the 2023 NBA All-Star Game

• 38 trainings and 7 large exercises on emergency preparedness/management, active aggressor, radiological incidents, large event coordination, climate change, and evacuation

STRENGTHENING TRUST WITH OUR COMMUNITY

TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING

In 2023, our commitment to transparency and communication was underscored when Chief Safety Officer Squires implemented the Public Safety Dashboard, a public webpage providing real-time crime information . Cases can be viewed geographically, by date, or by incident type and keep the community informed and engaged in campus safety

Our Annual Security & Fire Safety Reports, a requirement under the federal Clery Act, provide detailed insights into safety plans, victim/survivor support resources, and crime incidents at our Utah and U Asia campuses

CLERY COMPLIANCE

The Department of Public Safety oversees the Clery Compliance Committee, which establishes procedures and coordinates with campus partners to ensure accurate and timely reporting We also provide training to Campus Security Authorities and coordinate with numerous law enforcement agencies that provide services to university facilities across the state (including Herriman, Sandy, and St George)

2023 HIGHLIGHTS:

• “Most Improved Clery Compliance Program” from the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers

• Creation of monthly meetings with the State of Utah Clery Officers and ongoing monthly meetings with the Pac-12 Clery Officers’ network to build capacity and best practices with peer institutions

• 3,317 Campus Security Authorities identified for CSA training

STRENGTHENING TRUST WITH OUR COMMUNITY

2023 PUBLIC SAFETY CONFERENCE

Chief Safety Officer Squires is working with President Randall and other administrators to develop a University of Utah Center for Campus Safety Excellence As part of this effort, Chief Squires developed the first annual Utah Campus Safety Conference, a first of its kind training conference designed to convene all Utah’s stakeholders who are responsible for providing safety and security on university and other school campuses . The inaugural conference was held at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House in March 2023 and featured Jill McCluskey as our keynote speaker The event was part of a long-term outreach campaign—sharing lessons learned from past mistakes, as well as sharing best practices and new ways of thinking—to improve campus safety across the state By collaborating with peer institutions in shared training opportunities, the Department of Public Safety continues toward our goal of becoming a national leader in campus safety .

LAUREN M c CLUSKEY MEMORIAL WALK AND 5K EVENT

The 2nd Annual Utah Race for Campus Safety at the University of Utah became a powerful gathering of students, staff, alumni, and families in memory of Lauren McCluskey The race not only paid tribute to Lauren’s legacy but served as a platform for important conversations, healing, and a collective commitment to improving campus safety for all Partners included the Lauren McCluskey Foundation, the Department of Public Safety, ASUU, the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Student Affairs, and Resolution Empowered Mediation

STRENGTHENING TRUST WITH

OUR COMMUNITY

STRENGTHENING TRUST WITH OUR COMMUNITY

CAMPUS PARTNERSHIPS & COMMITTEES

• The Racist & Bias Incident Response Team (RBIRT) coordinates with campus partners to document incidents of hate, bias, and racism, and to provide referrals and support to individuals impacted by these events In 2023, the Department of Public Safety hired a Program Manager to oversee case management and referrals, and to analyze and share data so we can better understand our campus climate and the safety needs of all communities .

• Our University Police Investigations Unit and Victim-Survivor Advocates coordinate weekly with the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) to connect distressed individuals to support services and help keep our community safe

• We serve on the university’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) to assess and respond to urgent threats that may arise on campus . This cross-departmental unit reviews reports of concerning behavior and threats of violence, assesses risk, and takes quick action to prevent violence on our campus

• The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) assists with the strategic direction for the department to enhance the safety and overall quality of life of our campus community . It also provides educational opportunities for our campus community to learn about public safety programs and services

• The Independent Review Committee (IRC) entered its third year of operation with new leaders and members dedicated to advising the Chief Safety Officer and helping advance the Department of Public Safety’s goals of being transparent, responsive, and accountable to our campus community

INVESTING IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT

EXPANDING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

The Department of Public Safety currently includes 290 employees, including 51 POST-certified officers, 58 campus security officers, 149 hospital security officers, 11 Emergency Management and Communications positions, and 18 administrative positions within the Office of the Chief Safety Officer .

In 2023, several new positions were added to prepare for future campus growth and safety needs, including a Deputy Chief Safety Officer of Police Services, Chief of Staff for the Chief Safety Office, Crime Data Analyst, Training Sergeant for Security Personnel, and Program Manager for the Racist & Bias Incident Response Team .

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

The Department of Public Safety hosted both SafeU Student Ambassadors and Presidential Interns during the 2022-23 academic year These opportunities are structured for students to gain leadership experience and work on strategic projects that advance campus safety, while also providing our department with invaluable student insights and perspectives

INVESTING IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Public Safety is focused on providing the highest level of training for our officers, security personnel, and non-sworn professionals

Our 2023 training offerings for police officers and security personnel spanned a variety of topics, including:

• Crowd management

• Crisis intervention

• Defensive tactics

• Documentation & report writing

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Effective communication

• Ethics

• Fire safety & fire watch

• Firearms

• ID verification

• Lethality

• Implicit bias

• Upholding human rights and democracy

• Patrol techniques

• Sexual harassment and discrimination

• Trauma-informed policing

• Introduction of new onboarding resources designed for our security personnel and officers to build trust, understanding, and greater cultural competency to better serve our diverse campus community

• By 2024, each campus security officer will be certified by the Utah Division of Occupational Licensing

INVESTING IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Our Health Security Training Unit provided over 3,375 training hours and certifications tailored for the unique needs of security professionals in the healthcare setting, including:

• Crisis prevention

• Healthcare security defensive tactics

• Workplace violence

• Behavioral Emergency Reponses Team (BERT)

• Field training officer certification

• Active aggressor simulations (HELIX and Union Building)

• Resiliency trainings

• Leadership Academy

• Nonviolent crisis intervention certification

• Safety training for College of Nursing students

Our team also developed a new Leadership Academy program for current and aspiring leaders, and is currently designing a new training offering to better meet the unique needs of healthcare patients with autism spectrum disorders .

2023 RECOGNITIONS

• “Most Improved Clery Compliance Program” from the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers

• University Police’s Lieutenant Brian Wahlin graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and is included among the prestigious one percent of officers nationally who are offered this opportunity Chief Safety Officer Squires and two other department commanders are previous graduates of this extensive three-month executive law enforcement academy

• The “Exemplary Performance Citation” awarded posthumously to Sergeant Cody McGuire stands as a testament to his remarkable contributions to the University of Utah Hospital and his leadership of the Security Investigations Unit