University of Connecticut Police Department
The University of Connecticut Police Department, under the administration of its chief of police, is charged with a number of critical areas of responsibility relating to safety and security on campus for its student body, employees, and visitors to the campus. The Police Department is established pursuant to section 10a-142 of the Connecticut General Statutes as an "organized police department" with the same authority and responsibility as any municipal police department within the state of Connecticut. Its complement of sworn officers are all state employees and graduates of the Municipal Police Training Academy. Beyond the Academy, each member of the department undergoes required annual in-service training, well beyond the minimum requirements mandated by Connecticut statutes, to maintain and upgrade his or her skills as a police officer. The University's Police Department works closely with the State Police and various federal agencies and local police departments throughout the state.
The University police on the Greater Hartford Regional Campus are currently on duty 16 hours a day, Monday through Friday. The University police officers and public safety buildings and grounds officers conduct highly visible vehicle and foot patrols. The University police officers are responsible for enforcing all laws of the state of Connecticut, both criminal and motor vehicle.
As part of its community services activities, the Department operates a student escort service, staffed by student community safety assistants (CSAs). These CSAs, traditionally known as student patrols, provide safe, personal escort on request to and from any point on campus. This service, organized and supervised by the University Police Department, operates every night during both the fall and spring semesters. The student escort personnel are equipped with two-way radios and have direct communication with the Police Department.
Reporting crimes or emergencies
In the event you are witness to or a victim of a crime on campus or any type of an emergency, go to any telephone and dial 5173 (campus phone) or 860.570.5173 (public phone). In the event of a fire and/or medical emergency, call the 911 emergency operator and furnish all pertinent information. The University police also should be notified, 860.570.5173, and an officer will follow up on your report.
Individual safety responsibilities
Individual awareness, cooperation and involvement are critical to the success of any campus safety program. Everyone must assume responsibility for his or her own personal safety and the security of his or her personal property by taking some simple, common sense precautions. For example: do not jog alone at night; at night, walk with someone and only in well lighted areas; do not leave personal property unattended in the cafeteria, classrooms, or library. When in doubt, call the University Police Department for an escort or for advice/information. Other essential precautions which should be taken are: do not stay alone in academic buildings; bicycles should have a secure locking device and be fastened to one of the many bike racks; cars always should be kept locked and valuables should be out of sight.
Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances
Those who use alcoholic beverages or sponsor events involving alcohol are obliged to understand state laws and University regulations for their actions. In general, use or possession of alcoholic beverages by any person under the age of 21 is prohibited by state law.
- The University Policy on Alcoholic Beverages
- Law School procedure for alcohol and student events
Weapons on Campus
Possession and/or use of firearms, fireworks, dangerous weapons and hazardous chemicals is strictly prohibited and in many cases violates state law. This applies to students and employees, except those who have official authorization for such use. (See General Rules of Conduct for Employees as published by Labor Relations in Storrs.)
Conclusion
If you observe suspicious persons or activities anywhere on campus, report such persons and/or activities to the University Police Department. Also, should you observe unsafe or dangerous conditions, do not hesitate to report them to the University police to initiate corrective action. By working together all members of the community can help ensure a safe campus and community. The University Police, Greater Hartford Regional Campus, (860) 570-5173, should be called to answer any questions or to provide further information.
