Published: Aug. 29, 2017

On behalf of the CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD), I want to welcome you for the 2017–18 academic year. As the chief of the police department, I will assure you that the top priority for every member of our department is to maintain a safe environment. A key component of that goal is keeping you informed about crime and campus safety issues.

CU Boulder Chief of Police Ken Koch

CU Boulder Chief of Police Ken Koch

At CU Boulder, serious criminal activity is unusual. Theft and other property crimes make up the bulk of our cases. But when a major crime occurs, we are going to tell you about it so you can take proactive measures for your personal safety.

The Clery Act is a federal law requiring we inform you when certain types of crimes are committed on or adjacent to our campus. These warnings fall under two categories: emergency notification and timely warning.

Emergency notifications

An emergency notification is used for any type of significant emergency anywhere on campus. These messages will come to your colorado.edu email account and as a text to your registered cell phone, typically with the subject line “CU Boulder Alert.”

The campus also will update alerts.colorado.edu with emergency notifications. You can manage your registered mobile alerts number and make updates as needed in your MyCUInfo portal area.

An emergency notification can be issued for anything from a weather event closing the campus to an active harmer situation on campus.

Timely warnings

A timely warning is issued when a specific crime has occurred on campus property (or adjacent to campus), and there is a serious or ongoing threat to students, employees and visitors. Crime categories that may necessitate a timely warning include:

  • Criminal homicide
  • Sex offenses—including rape, fondling and incest
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Burglary
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Domestic violence
  • Dating violence
  • Stalking
  • Arson
  • Hate crimes

When a timely warning is issued, you will receive an email to your colorado.edu account typically with the subject line “CU Boulder Alert.” Timely warning notifications are required by federal law, so as a CU Boulder student or employee, you will not be able to opt out of these emails.

Social media

The best way to be informed about crime trends and crime prevention tips is by following us on our social media channels. We are active on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. To find us, just search for CUBoulderPolice.

All of us at CUPD are proud to be your police department and we are looking forward to a great year. Go Buffs!

Ken Koch,
Chief of Police