Chapman University takes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors very seriously. The university has a dedicated Department of Public Safety that works 24/7 to ensure a safe and secure campus environment.
Department Overview
The Chapman University Department of Public Safety is a full-service law enforcement agency with sworn police officers who are certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The department also employs security guards and community service officers who assist with patrol, crime prevention, and other non-law enforcement duties.
The department is responsible for a wide range of public safety functions, including:
- Law enforcement
- Crime prevention
- Emergency response
- Fire safety
- Traffic control
- Parking enforcement
- Lost and found
- Campus escorts
The department also works closely with local law enforcement agencies, including the Orange Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.
Crime Statistics
According to the most recent crime statistics published by the Chapman University Department of Public Safety, the campus is a relatively safe place to live and work. In 2022, there were only 10 reported crimes on campus, including:
- 4 burglaries
- 3 thefts
- 2 assaults
- 1 hate crime
These statistics are well below the national average for college campuses. In fact, Chapman University has been ranked as one of the safest college campuses in the nation by several different publications, including the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.
Safety Initiatives
The Chapman University Department of Public Safety is constantly working to improve safety on campus. Some of the department’s recent safety initiatives include:
- Increased patrols: The department has increased the number of patrols on campus, both on foot and in vehicles.
- New security cameras: The department has installed new security cameras throughout campus, which helps to deter crime and improve surveillance.
- Improved lighting: The department has improved lighting in several areas of campus, which makes it more difficult for criminals to operate.
- Crime prevention programs: The department offers a variety of crime prevention programs, such as self-defense classes, safety workshops, and crime prevention tips.
Safety Tips
There are a number of things that students, faculty, staff, and visitors can do to help keep themselves safe on campus. Some of the most important safety tips include:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety.
- Lock your doors and windows.
- Don’t walk alone at night.
- Use the campus escort service.
- Take self-defense classes.
- Be careful about what you post on social media.
Conclusion
The Chapman University Department of Public Safety is committed to providing a safe and secure campus environment for everyone. The department works closely with local law enforcement agencies and offers a variety of safety initiatives and programs. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors can take a number of steps to help keep themselves safe on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the response time for the Department of Public Safety?
The Department of Public Safety aims to respond to all calls for service within 3 minutes.
How can I report a crime or suspicious activity?
You can report a crime or suspicious activity by calling the Department of Public Safety at (714) 997-6767.
What is the campus escort service?
The campus escort service is a free service that provides escorts to students, faculty, and staff who need to walk across campus at night.
How can I get involved in campus safety?
There are a number of ways to get involved in campus safety, such as joining the Campus Safety Advisory Board, volunteering with the Department of Public Safety, or taking a self-defense class.
Additional Resources
- Chapman University Department of Public Safety website: https://www.chapman.edu/public-safety/
- Orange Police Department website: https://www.orangepd.org/
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office website: https://www.ocsd.org/
- California Highway Patrol website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/
