Patrol Operations
CUPD is a full-service law enforcement agency that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in support of the University of Colorado Boulder community. The Patrol Unit is the department’s largest operational unit and serves as the primary response resource for campus safety and public service needs.
Patrol officers respond to calls for service, conduct proactive patrols throughout campus, enforce traffic laws, and engage with the university community through a variety of outreach efforts, including educational presentations, tabling events, and partnerships with student organizations and campus stakeholders.
Patrol Operations and Services
CUPD is proud to provide embedded advocate services that work alongside officers to support members of the campus community during critical incidents and times of need. Embedded advocates assist by providing immediate support, crisis intervention, resource coordination, and follow-up services to individuals impacted by traumatic or challenging situations. This collaborative approach strengthens CUPD’s commitment to relational policing, compassionate service, and holistic community care.
The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department is committed to building meaningful relationships and maintaining strong connections with the campus community through engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. The department continually seeks opportunities to interact with community members on a personal level and strengthen trust through positive and collaborative interactions.
CUPD fosters these connections through programs and events such as ride-alongs, Coffee with a Cop, and a variety of community outreach initiatives designed to increase accessibility, transparency, and engagement with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The department also partners with numerous campus organizations, including CU Student Government, CU Boulder Hillel, and Center for African and African American Studies, to provide safety education, share resources, and cultivate strong, collaborative relationships throughout the university community.
Beyond campus, CUPD actively participates in community-based initiatives within Boulder, including regular involvement with the Hill Revitalization Working Group. Through these partnerships and collaborative efforts, CUPD remains dedicated to enhancing safety, supporting community well-being, and promoting positive engagement between law enforcement and the broader Boulder community.
While the University of Colorado Boulder campus remains a safe place to live, learn, and work, the university community is not immune to criminal activity. The most commonly reported crimes on campus involve property theft, with bicycle theft representing the most frequent offense. CUPD encourages all community members to remain aware of their surroundings, secure personal property, and utilize available crime prevention resources to help reduce opportunities for theft.
It is also common for college students to become targets of online scams and fraud schemes. These criminals often exploit students who may be seeking employment opportunities, financial assistance, or quick sources of income. Community members are encouraged to remain cautious when responding to unsolicited messages, employment offers, or requests for personal or financial information.
CUPD provides a variety of services, programs, and educational resources designed to enhance the safety and security of the campus community. Crime prevention presentations focus on proactive strategies and practical safety tips that individuals can implement to help reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Safety is a shared responsibility and is most effective when every member of the campus community remains engaged and vigilant. Promptly and accurately reporting suspicious activity, criminal behavior, dangerous situations, or safety concerns greatly assists CUPD in maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for all.