Discover the Many Ways Campus Security and Public Safety Work to Keep Students and Campus Safe
By: Brian Best, Crime Prevention and Education Officer, Campus Security and Public Safety
The Gonzaga University Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS) Department consists of 11 patrol officers, a Director, Associate Director, Crime Prevention and Education Officer, Parking Enforcement Officer, Parking and Office Coordinator, a Dispatch Center and 6 Communication Officers. This team provides 24/7 coverage for our campus community every day of the year. We have moved from Welch Hall and are now located at 503 E. Sharp, in the Huetter Mansion. This is where you will also find Security and Parking services.
Our department provides a number of services to the Gonzaga community. We utilize our vehicles, mountain bikes, and an extensive camera system to maximize the efficiency of our security patrols. CSPS also provides an escort service. Students utilizing this service are usually those who are injured and need help getting to class and back home. The university works with the Gonzaga Student Body Association to offer a “safe ride” with a local taxi company. This no-cost ride can get you home from a potentially unsafe or compromising situation.
Our Security vehicles are equipped with an AED and first aid supplies, along with some water rescue items. We have the ability to jumpstart a vehicle with a dead battery for those cold winter mornings. We are the reporting authority for crime victims on campus and will respond to and document criminal activity.
Our campus is located within walking distance of downtown Spokane, the Spokane River and the Logan neighborhood. The Logan neighborhood has seen a decrease in the number of reported crimes in the past few years. This is largely due to the patrol and proactive efforts in the neighborhood. We have the privilege of having one of the city’s COPS substations on our campus. CSPS works closely with the Neighborhood Resource Officers to proactively patrol the areas where our students reside. As a department, CSPS visits with students living off campus to give safety tips to aid in the prevention of the students becoming victims of a crime. Although we are a strong patrol force, we encourage others to help in keeping everyone safe on and around campus and to call us when there are concerns. A reminder for all is to keep valuables locked up and put away out of sight. This applies to vehicles, residence halls, and off-campus housing. Items that are left visible or unlocked are vulnerable to theft.
You will see some changes for the fall as your student is arriving, regarding security improvements. Over the summer we have assessed the landscaping and natural pathways. We are adding additional lighting, where needed. We will be adding more cameras to campus to assist with the safety of students, staff and visitors.
For updates and general information, you can visit our website here. Did you know we also have a blog? It is full of helpful tips and important safety information and can be found here. You can follow us on Facebook, by searching Gonzaga University Security-CAMPO.