Department of Campus Safety

 The Department of Campus Safety works diligently to ensure a safe work and academic environment where students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and spiritual journeys with confidence.  At APU, we believe that safety is a fundamental part of fostering a nurturing and God First community. The Department of Campus Safety partners with city, county, state, and federal law enforcement authorities. Agencies collaborate whenever possible on investigations and crime prevention programs to provide the best possible service to the APU community.

We encourage you to get involved, stay informed, and reach out with any concerns or questions. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can create a community that reflects our faith and commitment to one another's well-being.

Our Staff

Our team consists of a diverse group of professionals dedicated to ensuring safety and security. This includes six leadership members—Executive Director, Assistant Director, Administrative Manager, Special Services Officer Supervisor, Campus Safety Officer Supervisor, and Communication Dispatcher Supervisor—along with a parking coordinator, eight special services officers, five campus safety officers, five dispatchers, a special events coordinator, an investigator, a Clery coordinator, and approximately ten student workers who patrol the campus and assist with communication services.

Campus Safety Officers are trained professionals who are here to provide assistance, resources, and guidance to ensure a safe campus experience during your time at APU. From emergency response and crime prevention to safety education and support services, we work tirelessly to maintain a secure environment for all. Members of the Campus Safety team participate in extensive training focused on a variety of topics, including harassment, implicit bias, microaggressions, mental health awareness, persons with disabilities, crisis communications, de-escalation techniques, and use-of-force training. APU requires all Campus Safety officers to receive certification from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to operate as a Campus Safety officer. APU special services officers are required to successfully complete a California Peace Officers Standards and Training Basic Police Academy consisting of a minimum of 664 training hours.

With the support of the university and input from the Campus Safety student, staff, and faculty committee, a plan to enhance and improve the department’s security services is underway. Highlights include:

• Positive relationship building and customer service with student, staff, and faculty measures.
• Expanded and improved workplace for efficient and professional services.
• New technologies, including the mobile safety app Safe APU, improved dispatch and records management system, interactive Instagram and X accounts, and body-worn cameras.
• Improved and continuous training for all Campus Safety personnel, including online policy and procedure training, and cultural diversity and implicit bias training.
• Creation of the special services officer position, which carries a higher level of training, increased hiring standards, and an armed response in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
• Creation of the Community Advisory Committee to enhance the interaction of department staff with the community, establish the highest standards for Campus Safety personnel accountability, and increase trust among the Azusa Pacific University community.