UCLA Campus Safety and Security: A Comprehensive Guide

UCLA prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various safety services, resources, and protocols available at UCLA, ensuring a secure environment for learning, working, and living. The information presented here is based on official UCLA resources and aims to offer practical guidance for navigating campus safety.

Commitment to Safety

UCLA is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for its diverse community. The university offers a wide array of services and resources designed to promote safety and security on campus and in the surrounding areas. These efforts are led by the Office of Campus Safety, which works to safeguard the well-being of students, faculty, and staff during campus emergencies.

Essential Safety Services and Resources

UCLA provides a multitude of safety services and resources to support its community. These include:

Civil Rights Office (CRO)

Established in 2020 by UCLA’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Civil Rights Office (CRO) serves both the UCLA campus and the UCLA Health System. It comprises several units, including the Office for the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights (OAVC-CR), the Discrimination Prevention Office (DPO), the Staff, Diversity & Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Office (SD&C), and the Title IX Office (T9). The CRO promotes a safe and inclusive environment by addressing civil rights concerns and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

The UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of all members of the Bruin community. EDI works to foster an inclusive campus environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center (Semel HCI)

The Semel HCI acts as a hub for health-related innovation on campus, connecting diverse departments and stakeholders. It leverages the strengths of individuals and institutions both on and off campus. The center's seven thematic subcommittees focus on creating academic, experiential, and structural approaches to well-being through various means, including curricula, programming, communication, branding, research, operations, and service.

Be Well Bruin

Be Well Bruin is a comprehensive resource directory that highlights UCLA’s various resource centers, programs, and departments that support student health and well-being. With over 100 campus resources available on the site, students can explore the resource guide, individual spotlights, and frequently asked questions.

Case Management Services

Case Management Services offers both in-person and virtual appointments and training sessions. These services assist students struggling with mental or physical health, facing unexpected challenges or crises, or experiencing personal loss. Case Managers support students by exploring options, identifying on-campus resources, and helping students create a plan for their next steps. To initiate contact with Case Management Services, visit Refer a Student. Case Managers are also key members of the Consultation and Response Team (CRT).

Threat Management Unit (TMU)

The Threat Management Unit (TMU) at the UCLA Police Department investigates and manages cases of harassment, stalking, threats, and workplace violence. UCLA is committed to providing a safe work environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors, free of violent behavior and threats of harm. The university prohibits such behavior, which violates both law and University policy.

UCLA Health Threat Assessment Team (TAT)

The UCLA Health Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is a multidisciplinary group that addresses concerning or disruptive behaviors at UCLA medical facilities, ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff.

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Emergency Alerts (BruinAlert)

UCLA uses BruinAlert to notify the campus community of dangerous or potentially dangerous situations. This system is reserved for emergencies and provides timely information to help individuals take appropriate action.

CSO Safety Escorts

CSO Safety Escorts are uniformed students employed by the UCLA Police Department who have received special training. They are available to walk students, faculty, staff, and visitors to and from anywhere on campus, in Westwood Village, and in the village apartments. To obtain an escort, call (310) 794-9255, allowing 15 to 20 minutes for arrival.

UCLA Safe Ride Service

The UCLA Safe Ride service provides a safe means of transportation around campus during the evening hours. The vans transport individuals between campus buildings, on-campus housing, and nearby residential areas. The service is free and available to all UCLA students, staff, faculty, and visitors during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters until midnight. The vans are driven by Community Service Officers (CSOs) who carry two-way radios, providing a direct link to the UCLA Police Department. Ride requests are made using the UCLA Safe Ride app, available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

UCLA Police Department Communications Center

The UCLA Police Department Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day by trained public safety dispatchers. These dispatchers receive calls from 9-1-1 and the non-emergency business lines and assign police officers, firefighters, paramedics/EMTs, CSOs, and parking enforcement officers as needed.

UCLA Police Department (UCPD)

The UCLA Police Department (UCPD) is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for teaching, research, and public service. The department achieves this through patrol, rapid response to calls for service, investigations, education, and the implementation of preventative strategies.

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Reporting a Crime

To report crimes in progress or any situation where a life is threatened, call 9-1-1. Even cell phones without service can be used to call 9-1-1. If it is safe to do so, remain at the location of the crime so that the police can ask questions and gather information. For non-emergency situations, such as suspicious behavior or lost documents, call the UC Police Department at (310) 825-1491. It is recommended to save this number in your cell phone for easy access.

Interactions with Police

The police are there to help and should always be treated with respect. In turn, they should also treat you with respect. It is important to comply with all requests and follow the police officer’s directions.

Getting Pulled Over

If you are driving a car and are pulled over by the police, do not get out of the car unless instructed to do so. Stay in the car, keep your hands visible, and allow the police officer to approach. Do not approach the police car, as this can be perceived as a hostile action.

Receiving a Ticket

If an officer issues a ticket or citation, do not argue with them. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that you received it. You will have the opportunity to argue your case in court. Attempting to bribe a police officer is illegal and should never be attempted.

Additional Safety Measures

Emergency Call Boxes

UCLA has numerous "blue hood" emergency call boxes around the campus. These boxes provide a direct line to the UCPD in case of an emergency.

Safety Tips

Avoid Walking Alone at Night: It is generally advisable not to walk alone at night, even on campus.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be mindful of potential hazards.
Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying large sums of money or valuables.
Transportation: Only accept rides in taxis or with people you know. Avoid hitchhiking or picking up hitchhikers.
Campus Security Office: Familiarize yourself with the campus security office and their services.

UCLA Extension Safety

UCLA Extension is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, instructors, and staff at all locations where instruction is offered.

Addressing Security Concerns: The Bari Weiss Event

In a recent instance, security concerns arose regarding a speaking engagement at UCLA. CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss was scheduled to speak at the annual Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations. However, the event was postponed due to security concerns raised by Weiss's team.

Steve Lurie, UCLA’s Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer, stated that the university had a “comprehensive security plan” in preparation for Weiss’ visit, developed in coordination with campus safety and external law enforcement partners. Despite the university's readiness, the decision to postpone the event was made by the speaker's team due to perceived insufficient safety measures.

This situation highlights UCLA's commitment to tailoring safety planning to each event and supporting public programming that represents a wide range of viewpoints.

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