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About CUPD
The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department is a full-service, nationally accredited police agency providing community-based public safety services to a diverse community of approximately 38,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff members. CUPD operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Every year the department responds to approximately 20,000 calls for service. Patrolling the campus by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, and vehicle, the CU Boulder police work diligently with the university community and surrounding agencies to ensure a prompt and coordinated law enforcement response.
CU Boulder police officers’ authority to act as peace officers, as defined in Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) 16-2.5-101, is based on authority granted by the University of Colorado’s Board of Regents by CRS 23-5-106. Officers are commissioned under state authority as defined in CRS 24-7.5-101 through 106, and are also issued City of Boulder, Colorado Police Commissions.
Message from the Chief
As the Chief of Police, I am honored to serve the CU Boulder Community. Our department’s mission is to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where learning, research, and personal growth can thrive. We are committed to professional, community-oriented policing that emphasizes prevention, transparency, and respectful engagement. Safety on campus is a shared responsibility, and we value collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
Throughout the year, you will see our officers engaging with the community through patrols, programs, trainings, and community events. We encourage you to take advantage of our resources, ask questions, and reach out to us whenever you have concerns or need assistance.
We look forward to engaging with you and wish you a successful, productive, and safe year at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Sko Buffs,
Ashley Griffin
Chief of Police
Mission
Building a safer campus through proactive prevention, responsive service and meaningful community engagement.
Values
Our values shape us as a department and guide us as we serve our community. As determined as Ralphie as she runs across Folsom Field, we stand ready to serve those in need. At CUPD, we are Resilient, Accountable, Leaders, Passionate, Humble, Impartial, Empathetic.
Motto
Protect the herd.
Complaints and Commendations
The University Police Department values feedback from our campus community and is committed to professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. Community input helps us recognize outstanding service, address concerns, and strengthen the relationships we build through relational policing.
We encourage students, faculty, staff, and visitors to share:
- Compliments to recognize employees who demonstrate exceptional service, professionalism, compassion, or leadership.
- Complaints regarding employee conduct, service delivery, or interactions that may not align with department expectations or values.
- Comments and Suggestions that help improve public safety services, community engagement, and the overall campus experience.
All feedback is reviewed thoroughly and respectfully. Complaints are handled objectively and in accordance with department policy to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency.
The University Police Department remains committed to serving the community with integrity, empathy, and professionalism.