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Chapman Public Safety Praised for Being on "Path of Excellence"

Psafe Pete

Department Staff & Services Overview
The Chapman University Department of Public Safety is committed to ensuring a safe, supportive environment for every member of our campus community. We provide a wide range of safety and security services — from emgergency response and crime prevention to community programs and campus patrols — all delivered with professionalism and care. Our team operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. 

Patrol Division

Public Safety Officers actively patrol the university campus and all university-owned properties using a combination of foot patrols, marked patrol vehicles, and bicycle units. Public Safety Officers serve as visible deterrents to crime and are trained to handle a wide variety of incidents with professionalism and care. Their core responsibilities include:

  • Responding to all campus emergencies as the first point of contact.

  • Enforcing university rules, policies, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.

  • Monitoring and enforcing parking regulations in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.

  • Providing service-oriented assistance, such as vehicle jumpstarts, building access, and safety escorts.

  • Security assignments at special events, athletic games, and university functions.

Communications Division

The Communications Division is staffed by professionally trained Public Safety Dispatchers who coordinate field operations and serve as a critical communication link between the campus community, law enforcement personnel, and emergency responders. The Communications Center operates 24/7 and is equipped to handle all types of emergency and non-emergency calls. Their key functions include:

  • Dispatching Public Safety Officers to incidents and service calls.

  • Maintaining real-time communication with on-duty officers and external emergency agencies.

  • Managing alarm systems, surveillance feeds, and campus alert notifications.

9-1-1 Emergency Communications

All 9-1-1 calls placed from campus landline phones are routed directly to the Public Safety Dispatch Center, where dispatchers have received the same training as local public agency 9-1-1 operators. Our dispatchers can immediately coordinate a campus response and, when necessary, relay information to local emergency services.

Note: 9-1-1 calls placed from mobile phones on campus will be routed to the appropriate local law enforcement agency, which may then coordinate with campus Public Safety if needed.

Investigations Division

Public Safety's investigative function supports thorough follow-up on campus incidents, working in coordination with local law enforcement agencies when appropriate. Investigators assist with case documentation, evidence preservation, and follow-up on reported crimes and policy violations. 

Training Division

The Department's trainig fuction ensures that Public Safety personnel are prepared to serve the community with competence, empathy, and professionalism. Personnel receive ongoing training in emergency response, de-escalation, cultural awareness, and campus-specific policies and law. The Training Coordinator arranges in-service education, policy updates, and skill development across the department.