Department of Safety and Security

In spring 2008, the University organized a Campus Safety and Security Committee. This committee recommended that the departments relating to safety and security on campus blend into one, integrated unit. With careful analysis and planning, the University of Chicago’s Department of Safety and Security was developed.

Under the leadership of Marlon C. Lynch, the newly integrated Department of Safety and Security encompasses the University of Chicago Police Department, Medical Center Department of Security Services, Emergency Communication and Security Technology, and Transportation and Parking Services.

Since its inception, Safety and Security has worked toward improvements in each of its components. While these units have undertaken and continue to undertake projects to improve their individual operations, they have also started to analyze more closely the manner in which they work together. It is through these shared functions that the true benefit of the Safety and Security integration can be seen. Synergistic functions and open lines of communication between area leaders allow Safety and Security to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Visit the Department of Safety and Security in our headquarters at 6054 South Drexel Avenue. For more information about Safety and Security and the University Police Department, visit safety-security.uchicago.edu.

University of Chicago Police Department

For more than forty years, the University Police have worked side by side with the City of Chicago Police Department to provide security on campus and in nearby neighborhoods. If you are ever uncomfortable for any reason or need to report a crime or suspicious activity, call the police immediately. The University Police encourage prompt and accurate reporting of any such problem.

The University Police Department (UCPD) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on campus and throughout the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and Woodlawn neighborhoods. They patrol north to 39th Street, south to 64th Street, east to Lake Shore Drive, and west to Cottage Grove Avenue.

Officers are armed and fully empowered to make arrests in accordance with the requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and consistent with Illinois state statutes. UCPD and the City of Chicago Police Department work together by monitoring each other’s calls within the UCPD’s coverage area. UCPD headquarters is located at 6054 South Drexel Avenue. UCPD can be reached at 773.702.8181 or cops@uchicago.edu.

Near the Gleacher Center, the City of Chicago Police Department holds jurisdiction on police matters.

Medical Center Department of Security Services

The University of Chicago Medical Center Department of Security Services is a trained professional organization committed to providing a safe and secure educational and working environment for students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. Through progressive training and ethical conduct, our department provides and maintains the delivery of quality services. We are committed to excellence and diversity. Our organizational values are reflected in our mission statement and are carried out by all members of our department.

The involvement of the community is critical to the continued success of our efforts. We constantly seek input and would like to know and understand how we can better serve you as a member of our community.

We challenge each member of our community to always practice good personal safety habits, discourage careless practices and behavior, and promptly report any suspicious activity. Prevention is the key to reducing crime in any community.

The University of Chicago Medical Center Department of Security Services is a trained professional organization dedicated to the protection and security of the Medical Center and its diverse community.

To fulfill this mission, the University of Chicago Medical Center Department of Security Services will:

  • Deliver superior security services with integrity and pride.
  • Respect and safeguard the dignity and rights of all individuals.
  • Demonstrate respect toward the people we serve and one another to maintain an environment of trust.
  • Develop partnerships with all segments of our community through effective communication and collaboration.
  • Carefully select and maintain a well-trained, educated, and professional staff.
  • Accept individual responsibility and accountability for our actions.

Emergency Communication and Security Technology

Emergency Communication and Security Technology serves as the public safety answering point for the University and Medical Center Safety and Security operations. Both emergency and non-emergency police and public safety requests are received and coordinated by the dispatchers. This includes the monitoring of 12,000 alarms within campus buildings and Medical Center facilities. The Communication Center functions similar to a 9-1-1 dispatch center and emergency operating center. We serve as the “nerve center” of emergency preparedness and operations.

From umbrella coverage requests to emergency assistance due to illness, injury, or criminal activity, the dispatchers handle calls for police, security, and public safety services. Calls are received on any of the campuswide emergency phones or directly on the emergency telephone number 123 or TTY 124 for those who are hearing impaired. In addition, the University dispatchers coordinate responses with the Chicago Police and Fire Departments. The dispatchers are the link between the students, faculty, and staff requiring police or public safety services.

The Communications Center personnel receive and handle service related calls and emergency assistance requests from residents living within the University of Chicago Police Department area of authority. In addition, UCPD co-responds with City of Chicago Police Department to all crime calls that occur in the neighborhoods we patrol. The emergency phones throughout the community go directly to the Communications Center and are handled there. We provide a link for emergency assistance to all community members and visitors.

Security Technology is the electronic protection component of the mission of the University Police to provide a safe and secure academic environment in which the University pursues its vision and mission.

Security Systems includes closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in high-risk areas, access control of University buildings, and duress alarm enunciation. This is done through the integration of effective security systems in existing campus spaces and in the base design of new and newly renovated spaces

To provide these systems on campus, the Security Systems team meets with vendors that offer cutting-edge solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the University’s campus. The University consults in the design of these projects and once implemented, closely watches their performance. Furthermore, the University keeps watch on emerging technologies in this field so that systems can be continually improved and updated.

Transportation and Parking Services

Transportation and Parking Services oversees and coordinates transportation issues on campus, as well as managing all aspects of parking. A guiding principle is to develop programs and policies that help to mitigate the demand for parking by creating greater utilization of alternate systems and approaches. For more information, visit safety-security.uchicago.edu/transportation.