Campus Safety Division

The Campus Safety Division of the Department of Safety & Security is responsible for the following areas: Security and Law Enforcement Systems, Security Services and security for the University of Chicago Charter School campuses and the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. The Campus Safety Division also oversees the University Safety Ambassador Program.

A security officer stands at the entrance to the Main Quadrangles on the University of Chicago campus.

Security and Law Enforcement Systems

Security and Law Enforcement Systems manages the University’s electronic safety and security resources. This includes the network of cameras, access control, alarms, and the emergency phones located throughout campus. If you need assistance with the technology associated with your residence hall, University building, or facility, please fill out the Security Systems Service Request Form. To reach a member of the Security and Law Enforcement Systems team, please email dss-securetech@uchicago.edu.

Security Services

The Security Services unit oversees the contract security officers posted throughout the campus area. This unit also oversees security for the University of Chicago Charter School campuses and the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

Safety Ambassador Program

The Safety Ambassador Program provides additional safety to the campus by having contracted security authorities posted throughout the campus area. Campus Safety Ambassadors are trained Campus Security Authorities who are assigned to exterior locations throughout the campus area. The Campus Safety Ambassadors wear high-visibility uniforms to easily identify them as members of the Campus Safety team. Campus Safety Ambassadors are on post every day from 3:30 p.m. through 8:30 a.m. They do not conduct enforcement activities and do not have the authority to make arrests, but if they witness a crime, they will act immediately by contacting UCPD. Campus Safety Ambassadors provide the following services:

  • Safety escorts

  • Directions and campus information

  • Quickly contacting the UCPD and other Department of Safety & Security services if needed


Expansion of the Safety Ambassador Program: The University has partnered with Allied Universal to assign safety ambassadors in residential neighborhoods and other public spaces in Hyde Park, Kenwood, and Woodlawn, including the 53rd Street business corridor. This effort, which builds upon our successful Safety Ambassador Program on campus, has the support of the aldermen who represent these areas. Our community safety ambassadors are trained security officers who patrol on foot and in vehicles, act as safety points of contact, and immediately contact the Department of Safety and Security Emergency Communications Center for additional support, resources, or dispatch of police in the case of an emergency. The community safety ambassadors complement the essential work of the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) in UCPD’s extended patrol area surrounding campus.