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About Us
The Department of Public Safety, under the
administration of the Director of Public
Safety, is responsible for safety and
security on campus. The Department of Public
Safety is in full operation twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week. Full time
staff consists of the director, associate
director, lieutenant, crime prevention
officer, investigator, sergeants, field
officers, dispatchers and clerical support
staff. During the academic year, students
supplement the department's staffing,
providing escort and shuttle services.
The Public Safety Office is located on the
northeast side of campus adjacent to parking
lot E. Within the office is the dispatch
center which coordinates the activities of
all field officers and supervisors. The
dispatcher receives all incoming phone calls
and directs the response of officers to
routine incidents, emergencies, and calls
for service. For patrol purposes, property
owned or controlled by the University of
Hartford is divided into districts that are
patrolled by officers in vehicles, on foot,
and on bicycles. Officers are required to
maintain high visibility and department
vehicles are well marked and easily
identified.
Public Safety personnel do not have police
powers, but are required to enforce state,
local, and federal rules, regulations,
ordinances and laws including those
pertaining to alcohol and drug violations on
campus. They also enforce University
regulations and conduct routine parking
enforcement. Every effort is made to enforce
these regulations in an equitable and
professional manner. Public Safety maintains
a close, professional relationship with
local police departments and response from
these departments, when needed, is prompt
and supportive.
All Public Safety officers have at least
Connecticut State certification as Medical
Response Technicians with some officers
certified at higher levels of medical
training. These individuals are first
responders to all medical emergencies on
campus and provide immediate assessment and
care. Members of the Public Safety
Department are well trained and maintain
certifications in the PR-24 defensive baton,
pepper spray, handcuffing, and management of
aggressive behavior. Staff members are also
trained to properly respond to reports of
sexual assaults, group disturbances, fires,
psychological emergencies, and conflicts
involving students or individuals not
formally associated with the University.
The primary responsibility of the Public
Safety Department is protection of life and
property. Realistically, no society,
community or college campus can be totally
crime free. However, we can take measures to
deter criminal activity on campus. Each
member of the University community has a
responsibility to adopt sound safety and
security practices both on and off campus.
It is only in partnership with one another
that we can continue to provide a safe
environment in which to work, learn, and
engage in social activities. |
