Community Policing Plans and Programs

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.

The Residential Education Office and University Police work closely throughout the year to provide training in the Residence Halls for students. This allows students to have positive interactions with the Police Department from the comfort of their own Residence Hall. Topics include Alcohol Awareness and Personal Safety. The goal of this program is to help students be successful while attending SDSU and in the years after. 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. The goal of this participation is to help incoming students aware of their new environment and help them be positive members of the community. 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 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 student leaders over coffee and pastries. The meetings are meant to educate, build relationships and encourage unity.

The University Police Department utilizes bicycle patrols on campus to encourage additional and more personal interaction between our officers and the SDSU 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 and the communities in their beat assignments to build relationships.  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.