Community Outreach

Community based policing is the foundation for successful law enforcement at San Diego State University. It involves developing long lasting relationships to fight crime and improve the safety and quality of life in our community. This is accomplished through open communication and a focused partnership between the police department and the students/communities we serve.

The University Police Department takes pride in its active participation in events celebrating the great communities of SDSU and San Diego. For example, the department marches in the annual San Diego Pride Parade and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and supports the Pride Center and members of the LGBTQ+ community at the annual Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony. If you know of any event which would like participation from the University Police Department, please contact the Community Resource Officer.

Our Community Resource Officer (CRO) is charged with promoting and maintaining good police-community relationships. The CRO is also responsible for organizing and teaching many of our educational programs.

The Residential Education Office and the University Police Department work closely throughout the year to provide training in the Residence Halls for all residents. This encourages positive interactions with the police department from the comfort of their own Residence Hall. Topics include alcohol awareness and personal safety. For more information, please contact our Residential Housing Officer.
The University Police Department participates in the “Success at SDSU” portion of all new student orientations. This provides an opportunity to engage with incoming students and discuss crime mitigation strategies. The department also participates in the lunchtime information fair so students and families can meet with officers to discuss any comments or concerns prior to the first day of classes.
Every month the University Police Department joins the San Diego Police Department at the College Area Regional Public Safety (CARPUS) meeting. The purpose of CARPUS is to give community members an opportunity to discuss law enforcement related concerns or comments.
The University Police Department regularly meets with the College Area Community Council. The purpose of this interaction is to update neighboring communities about the University Police Department and to solicit feedback.
The University Chief of Police collaborates with the Dean of Students and Director of the Intercultural Relations/Cross Cultural Center to host informal gatherings with community members, including student leaders, over coffee and pastries. The meetings are designed to educate, build relationships and encourage unity.
The University Police Department utilizes bicycle patrols in order to facilitate interaction between our officers and the community.
The University Police Department utilizes beat assignments. Beat assignments keep officers
working in a specific area for extended periods of time. This allows officers the ability to learn more about what is occurring in their beat and work with our community to help problem solve. Beat Assignments
The University Police Department uses social media to connect with members of the community and provide relevant information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Every year, the University Police Department tries to find ways to give back to the community, regularly participating in a number of programs including Shop With a Cop, Teddy Bear Drive, and the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.