Safety

How to get ready for game day

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:21:21 +0000

How to get ready for game day Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/13/2024 - 05:21

The Buffs take on the Utah Utes on Saturday at Folsom Field. Whether you’re on campus for the game, attending a watch party or cheering from home, here are some tips to get ready for game day.

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Measuring community satisfaction with first-responder responses

Megan Maneval — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:51:28 +0000

Measuring community satisfaction with first-responder responses Megan Maneval Mon, 11/04/2024 - 08:51

The CU Boulder Police Department launched a text survey tool last fall, allowing community members who speak with a 911 dispatcher and receive service from a police officer, residential service officer or community safety official to answer a survey asking about their experience, from the convenience of their phones.

One year on, the department is sharing results with the campus community.

By the numbers

1,543 surveys sent
30.2% response rate
93.6% positive satisfaction score
82% highest rating (5)
2% lower rating (1–2)

“The opportunity to provide feedback while response is still fresh in the minds of those who’ve received help has been invaluable,” said Interim Chief John Monahan. Previously, satisfaction surveys were sent by mail. “The new tool garners more responses and enables CUPD to more quickly gauge community satisfaction,” he added.

The text survey tool also allows CUPD to improve the feedback loop, which can positively impact communication among first responders, improving response and community engagement. Feedback is also provided to first responders themselves.

Four short survey questions ask about the call-taking process and the service delivery. Survey respondents can provide numerical responses (with 5 being the highest rating) via text message and can add a short comment.

A sampling of comments shows appreciation for call-taking as well as response:

“She gave me very clear instructions on how to help the person injured, that was appreciated. She was also able to help locate where we were, that was also helpful.”
“The police officer showed up very quickly and proceeded to handle the situation immediately.”
“They were quick to respond and assess the situation. They took control and resolved the situation with compassion.”

The feedback is also provided to first responders themselves. The satisfaction survey is sent for lower-level crimes including non-violent crime, property crime, traffic accidents or other service-related calls. Officers, RSOs and CSOs who respond on-scene let community members know to expect a survey via text, and explain that feedback is important and appreciated.

CUPD was the first police agency in Boulder county to launch this type of satisfaction survey. “We are always looking for new ways to engage with our community, and this has proved to be extremely effective,” said Deputy Chief Mark Heyart, who was involved in the implementation of the tool.

At the one-year mark of using a text-message satisfaction survey tool, CUPD is sharing the positive results.

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Learn about enhanced public safety during large campus events

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:11:26 +0000

Learn about enhanced public safety during large campus events Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/23/2024 - 13:11

CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) provides integrated resources to keep campus safer—and all services play an important role, whether on the ground or in the air.

Flight Operations personnel fly uncrewed aircraft systems, also known as UAS or drones, during large events on campus, including football games, concerts, commencement and move-in.

“We provide eyes in the sky for DPS departments including the CU Boulder Police Department and Events & Emergency Management,” said Chase Rupprecht, who is a certified flight instructor and director of flight operations designee.

DPS Director of Flight Operations Designee Chase Rupprecht launches a drone on campus during BOLDERBoulder in May.

Rupprecht’s interest in this line of work was sparked during his time as an undergraduate student in aerospace engineering at CU Boulder. “I have always been passionate about making things fly and keeping people safe. After learning about DPS, I realized I could do both,” he said.

“Drones are powerful tools that help make the environment safer,” said Rupprecht, now earning his master’s degree. Drone pilots can quickly provide visual awareness of situations from traffic jams to medical and other emergencies, so that police and events officials can direct appropriate public safety resources to the scene.

Along with providing public safety services, Flight Operations also ensures compliance with university UAS policies and conducts drone operator training. The department is directed by Dan Hesselius, an airline transport pilot, certified flight instructor and former United States Air Force pilot with experience in flight testing.

Hesselius and his department play a critical UAS support role in many important research projects conducted by CU Boulder scientists. “Teaching new UAS pilots the many ways drones can open up new possibilities in their studies, research and work here at CU Boulder is extremely rewarding,” he said.

There are about 350 certified pilots on campus, operating some 175 drones. Approximately 30% are used in campus operations and to promote the university. The other 70% are used in scientific research.

Not everyone can fly drones on campus. Training and certification is required. DPS offers ground school each semester and summer. If you wish to enroll in ground school or gain approval for on-campus flight, email dps_flightops@colorado.edu.

Security, medical assistance, traffic monitoring and research support are part of large-scale campus events with the help of drones.

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Safeguard your wheels from bike thieves

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:04:49 +0000

Safeguard your wheels from bike thieves Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/22/2024 - 11:04

Like any university campus, CU Boulder students are not immune to the crime of bike theft. Neither are the residents of Boulder, a college town. And when bike theft hits home, it can be tough for students, especially, to recover.

“For some students, this is their only mode of transportation,” said Trish Emser, team lead with Bike BOLDER, an advocacy group that works closely with Community Cycles and Full Cycle on bike theft prevention events. “It just makes me sad to hear stories of bike theft. Our aim is to educate the community by sharing theft prevention tips,” she added.

U-lock positioned properly on bike frame. Click the image to enlarge. Photo courtesy of the Boulder Police Department. Text reads: Position the U-shaped shackle around the bike rack, bike frame and wheel to afford the greatest protection.

Theft prevention tips

Position the U-shaped lock around the bike rack, bike frame and wheel to afford the greatest protection (as pictured). Angle-grinder resistant locks are recommended, and you may want to use an additional cable or U-lock to secure your second wheel.
Understand that the best way to properly secure locks depends on your bike geometry, you may need to back your bike into the rack and experiment to find the best method. Nothing is worse than finding one lonely wheel locked to a bike rack.
Park at bike racks in high-traffic and well-lit areas. Try not to leave your bike parked unattended for too long and try to vary your parking routine.
Remove accessories from your bike, such as pumps and lights.
Bring a less expensive bike to school, as expensive bikes provide a more attractive target for thieves.
At a recent event, Community Cycles demonstrated how thieves use tools to cut locks.

Register your bike

Registering your bike with Bike Index, a nonprofit registration system shared by CU Boulder and the city of Boulder, is highly recommended. All bikes parked regularly on campus need to be registered. Skateboards, e-scooters and other non-bicycle mobility devices can be registered by using the same form.

Check out Bike BOLDER’s blog on Bike Index

An added tip shared by CU Boulder Police Officer Jonathan Fennick, who shared theft prevention advice at the start of fall semester: “After registration, keep your bike’s serial number and registration information handy, as you may be asked to provide these to police to verify ownership, if your bike is stolen and recovered,” he said.

Both the city and the university share bike theft information on separate data dashboards. If your bike is stolen on campus, report the theft to CUPD.

Bike thefts are the No. 1 crime on campus. Heed these prevention tips, no matter where you ride in Boulder.

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Violence prevention partners awarded grant to expand safety messaging

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:13:37 +0000

Violence prevention partners awarded grant to expand safety messaging Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/17/2024 - 10:13

Title image: CU Boulder's Prevention Science Program provided Safe2Tell shirts to students at Fall Welcome.

The CU Boulder Police Department and the university’s Prevention Science Program will continue to expand their efforts to prevent violence in babyֱ��app, using a U.S. Department of Justice grant to partner on strategic messaging for hate crimes prevention and bystander reporting across much of the CU system.

The grant award was announced earlier this month.

The hate-based violence prevention campaign will begin in the coming weeks with posts similar to these on CUPD’s Instagram account. Click the images to enlarge.

“I am thrilled that we have been awarded a Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, said Sarah Goodrum, a research professor in the Prevention Science Program at CU Boulder. “We're now able to expand our efforts to message information on strategies for violence prevention and bystander reporting to address bias-motivated crimes on campuses in the CU system, including CU Boulder, CU Denver and UCCS.”

Research suggests official statistics underestimate the number of hate crimes in the U.S., due to underreporting. Bystanders’ awareness of the problem and the culture of the community can influence whether people report bias-motivated incidents. The new grant will support the testing of messages on how to prevent hate crimes and report safety-related concerns in the community.

Goodrum says students, babyֱ��app and staff will benefit from the new campaign to be produced by researchers, campus leaders, law enforcement officers and marketing consultants. It can also be used as a model for other universities around the country.

Goodrum was also involved in the messaging campaign to increase awareness and usage of Safe2Tell at CU Boulder. Safe2Tell is a statewide program developed after the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and managed through the babyֱ��app Office of the Attorney General. It encourages “upstanders” to come forward with information on potential violence or self-harm to prevent it from occurring.

“The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of babyֱ��app has a long-standing commitment both to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes and to engaging with the community on this topic,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of babyֱ��app Matt Kirsch in the grant announcement. “Public education on the tools available to prevent and address hate crimes is fundamental to these efforts, and we are proud to work with the University of babyֱ��app.”

A strong and highly experienced multidisciplinary team made up of researchers, law enforcement officers and communications experts will use the $1,999,939, four-year grant to develop hate crimes prevention messaging through 2028.

The CU Boulder Police Department and the Prevention Science Program will continue efforts to prevent violence in babyֱ��app, using a nearly $2 million grant for hate crimes prevention and bystander reporting across much of the CU system.

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Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:39:06 +0000

Bear safety tips: Mind your trash, more Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:39

Black bears are common in babyֱ��app, including in the Boulder foothills and, on rare occasions, campus. With winter approaching, they are out filling up on calories before hitting their dens for hibernation.

For those living off campus, it is important to keep your outdoor living area free of bear food, which can include bird feeders, dog food and ripe fruit from trees on the property.

Bear safety tips

Secure your trash. The city of Boulder has an ordinance requiring trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within Boulder. Learn more about the city of Boulder's Bear Protection Ordinance.
If your bear-resistant trash can/cart is damaged, please contact your landlord or trash removal company to request a replacement.
Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.
Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors.
Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum or even scented hand lotions in your car, and don't leave pet food outside your home.
If you see a bear on campus, call 911. Stand still, stay calm and let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately.
Visit the babyֱ��app Parks & Wildlife Living with Bears page or the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks bears and mountain lions page for additional information and safety tips.

The CU Boulder campus is home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears. CU Boulder's Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

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Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:16:42 +0000

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:16

CU Boulder's campus is home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs, and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears.

Hawk on campus. Photo by Craig Levinsky.

It’s important to remember, however, that wildlife is wild for a reason and should be treated as such for the well-being of both the animals and our people. CU Boulder’s Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders for students, babyֱ��app and staff about interactions between people and wildlife.

Do not approach or feed wild animals on campus, even squirrels or birds.
If you are bitten by a squirrel or other animal on campus, clean the wound thoroughly and contact Medical Services at Wardenburg Health Center. They can provide information about wound care, signs of infection and next steps. While squirrels do not pose a risk for rabies, they can transmit other diseases that may require a tetanus booster.
Do not feed the turtles or fish living in and around Varsity Lake, the Kittredge ponds, or other ponds around campus.
If you come across an injured or dead animal, report it to the CU Facilities Management (FM) service desk at 303-492-5522 so that designated campus employees can properly assist or remove the animal.
Problems or human contact with squirrels, rodents, birds, or other animals can likewise be reported to the FM service desk at 303-492-5522 at any time of day or night.
babyֱ��app Parks and Wildlife’s website includes several resources and tips, including how to avoid wildlife conflicts and why feeding wildlife is a bad idea. Websites for the city of Boulder and Boulder County also include valuable information related to local wildlife.
If a bear does come on campus, wildlife managers want to remove it safely, and without tagging it unless absolutely necessary. A tag will show that it has been to the city once. If a bear gets two tags, it will need to be euthanized by state law. More information about bears from babyֱ��app Parks and Wildlife.

“CU Boulder’s setting provides ample opportunities for observing wildlife, enhancing our enjoyment of campus and the outdoors,” said Wildlife Manager and Integrated Pest Manager Troy Muller.

CU staff works together with wildlife specialists, Boulder Animal Control and babyֱ��app Parks and Wildlife when dealing with wildlife issues on campus, Muller said, and wildlife is handled with the utmost care to ensure the safety of the animal.

“CU also invests in an Integrated Pest Management department to make sure that when animals find their way to campus, they are cared for properly and when necessary safely removed from campus, ensuring the campus populace and the animal are safe,” Muller said.

“What makes CU Boulder such a special campus is the staff, babyֱ��app and student body can observe the wildlife and we can all coexist with each other. I feel very fortunate to work on such a beautiful campus and be around all the beautiful creatures that call this place home."

Bears are sporadically seen in the Boulder foothills and, on rare occasion, campus during the months they are active, which is typically mid-March through November. Learn how to safely co-exist with bears.

CU Boulder's Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

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Public safety personnel delve into better understanding bias, inequities

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:43:27 +0000

Public safety personnel delve into better understanding bias, inequities Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:43

Division of Public Safety members engaging in Roots of Inequities workshop, Oct. 2, 2024.

CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety is continuing its commitment to learning and growth, tackling the root causes of inequities and bias in a workshop by Darrell Hammond Sr. of Higher Ground Consulting, a Boulder County-based leadership and professional development organization.

“I’m continually impressed by this group’s investment in their culture and their willingness to have those hard conversations,” said Hammond. “They are doing the work to examine their values, which guides their behaviors,” he added.

Along with focusing on historical perspectives on power structure and bias, the Roots of Inequities workshop encouraged commissioned officers and professional staff alike to develop a healthy mindset, which helps those in authority stay curious about their impact on others.

This training builds on a previous workshop, Mindset Matters, which DPS team members completed over the summer. “A healthy mindset helps us remember that others matter the same way I matter, which is an important step in examining our impact,” said Hammond.

“This training is one of many that we’ve engaged in as we strive to provide the highest quality of public safety services to our diverse community,” said Interim Chief John Monahan.

A recent workshop looking at history helped public safety participants invest in a more inclusive culture to better serve the campus community.

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Educate, engage, enforce: CU Boulder’s philosophy of engaging with free expression

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:00:53 +0000

Educate, engage, enforce: CU Boulder’s philosophy of engaging with free expression Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/09/2024 - 07:00

Activism and free expression play important roles in the personal, academic and leadership development of all campus community members.

CU Boulder approaches free expression as a way for Buffs to engage in meaningful conversations without disrupting university teaching, research and administrative functions. Free expression cannot violate campus policies, regent law and policy, or state and federal laws.

We do this by employing a philosophy of educate, engage and enforce.

Educate

Education is the foundation of the philosophy. CU Boulder educates the campus community about the policies and regulations on a regular basis. When it comes to sharing viewpoints on campus, it’s important to know the time, place and manner restrictions that are outlined in the Campus Use of University Facilities Policy.

CU Boulder’s Division of Student Affairs regularly meets and encourages engagement with student groups to ensure both that their voices are heard and they have a clear understanding of the laws and policies that govern the university.

CU Boulder’s Student Engagement Response Team (SERT), housed in the Division of Student Affairs, supports awareness of campus policies, impacts to CU’s academic mission and the Student Code of Conduct when events intersect with free speech on campus. SERT’s goal is to help ensure educational and successful events that follow campus policies, while also allowing voices to be heard.

Our campus also educates through:

Messaging to students and families before arriving at CU through newsletters and events
Meetings with resident advisors
Articles and information shared through various campus channels such as newsletters, e-memos and social accounts
Ongoing newsletter communication with Recognized Student Organizations and Registered Social Greek Organizations regarding policies and procedures
In-person meetings with student leaders, including RSOs and RGSOs
Signage including digital signs on campus and door hangers off campus

Free expression at CU Boulder

Learn more about freedom of expression, navigating freedom of speech vs. discrimination and harassment and view frequently asked questions.

Engage

When activity persists in violation of campus policy, regent law and policy, state law or federal law, CU Boulder engages with individuals and groups to re-communicate expectations and communicate possible consequences to policy or law violations.

Engagement reinforces education and provides direction to correct behavior, clarify enforcement mechanisms and end behavior that poses an immediate threat to the safety and welfare of our community members and may include:

Clear communication around the policies or laws being violated and the Student Code of Conduct processes that may follow
Policy reminder emails/conversations for first-time violations
Conversations with student organizations
Resident advisor conversations with students who reside in residence halls
Emails reminding student organizations of policies

University officials use the lowest level of intervention necessary under the circumstances to allow for peaceful protest that does not unduly interfere with other campus activities.

Enforce

When educational and engagement efforts fall short of ensuring the safety of campus community members and the preservation of the university’s academic mission, the university moves into the enforcement phase. The policies that guide this work are enforced uniformly and consistently.

CU Boulder has established processes, including Student Conduct Resolution, to address incidents when students or student organizations are alleged to have violated university policy. This process allows students the opportunity to respond to alleged violations before the university determines responsibility. If found responsible, there may be negative impacts to a student’s or student organization’s status at the university.

Actions that may initiate a referral to the student conduct resolution process may include but are not limited to:

Activities that disrupt university teaching, research or administrative functions, including amplified sound that may cause interference or disruption to university operations
Any display of posters not pre-approved by Events Planning & Catering or posted outside of generally accessible open outdoor spaces
Any use of tables, displays or other temporary structures that have not been pre-approved through the Event Management Form (EMF) process
Setting up tents or camping on university property

Enforcement may be conducted in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Public Safety, which includes the CU Boulder Police Department. If conduct is found to be in violation of city, state or federal law, CUPD and/or other law enforcement agencies may investigate.

CU Boulder policies are designed to permit free expression while also maintaining campus operations and preserving the campus’s essential purpose as an educational forum. The educate, engage, enforce philosophy is essential to ensuring our campus community can express their First Amendment right while also not disrupting our academic mission.

Through freedom of expression, Buffs are entitled and welcome to express themselves in forums across campus, while not interfering with anyone’s safe access to CU Boulder’s academic environment.

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Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in Boulder Creek

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:57:17 +0000

Help reduce nutrient and E. coli contamination in Boulder Creek Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/04/2024 - 07:57

At CU Boulder, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including Boulder Creek, integrated into our campus ecosystem. However, keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

Boulder Creek is considered an impaired waterway by the state of babyֱ��app due to excess amounts of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). While Boulder Creek is not currently considered impaired by nutrient pollution, raising awareness about nutrients is key to help prevent future impairment.

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

Nutrient pollution occurs when excess compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus enter our waterways, often from sources like fertilizers, pet waste and improperly disposed organic material. These nutrients can be washed off lawns and gardens during rainfall or irrigation, flowing directly into storm drains and, ultimately, into our stormwater systems. Once in the water, they can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.

E. coli contamination in Boulder Creek

In addition to nutrient pollution, E. coli, a common bacterium from multiple sources, also impacts Boulder Creek. Urbanization reduces the number of porous surfaces and increases contamination sources that wash into the storm sewer, promoting bacterial growth. The university is actively investigating and addressing the sources of E. coli in stormwater discharges.

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution and E. coli loading

Fertilizer use: Avoid over-fertilizing lawns and gardens, and never apply fertilizers near storm drains.
Organic waste: Properly dispose of lawn clippings, leaves and other organic material instead of letting them wash into storm drains.
Pet waste: Always clean up after your pets. Pet waste contributes to both bacteria and nutrients that pollute stormwater.
Trash disposal: Place all garbage in waste containers, and avoid feeding wildlife, which can increase waste in waterways.
Report issues: If you see illegal dumping or clogged storm sewer inlets on campus, contact Facilities Management at 303-492-5522.

As a large, eco-conscious community at CU Boulder, we have a great opportunity to work together to protect our stormwater resources and contribute to the university’s sustainability goals. By adopting simple habits like cleaning up after pets, properly disposing of waste and being mindful of fertilizer use, each of us can make a positive impact.

For more information, visit the CU Boulder Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) stormwater guidelines webpage or contact EH&S at 303-492-6025 or ehs@colorado.edu.

At CU Boulder, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including Boulder Creek, and keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

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