Community Safety

Community safety at CU Boulder is built on strong relationships, professional standards, and shared responsibility. Community Safety Officials (CSOs) and Residential Safety Officials (RSOs), operating under the Division of Public Safety, provide a trusted safety presence across campus. Through visibility, engagement, and proactive response, these teams focus on prevention, education, and early intervention—addressing concerns that may not involve criminal activity but still require attention or guidance. 

Through regular patrols, safety outreach, and everyday interaction, CSOs and RSOs help reduce risk, promote awareness, and ensure the campus community feels supported, informed, and safe. 

Community Safety Officials (CSOs)

Community Safety Officials serve public and shared campus spaces, where visibility and engagement support prevention. Their work focuses on safety education, incident prevention, and assisting students, staff, and visitors. CSOs are often a first point of contact for individuals seeking information, support, or reassurance, and they help identify potential concerns before they escalate. 

Their presence reinforces a culture of awareness, trust, and shared responsibility across campus. 

Residential Safety Officials (RSOs)

Residential Safety Officials provide a dedicated safety presence within campus housing. They support students by promoting safety awareness, assisting with non-emergency concerns, and helping de-escalate situations when appropriate. RSOs work closely with Housing and Residence Life staff to support safe, welcoming residential environments. 

Through consistent visibility and approachability, RSOs help connect students to campus safety resources where they live. 

How We Work 

CSOs and RSOs operate through community engagement, professional preparedness, and collaboration. Ongoing training supports situational awareness, de-escalation, and effective response, while partnerships across campus enable coordination with CU Boulder Police, Residence Life, Student Life, Facilities Management, and other units. 

This integrated approach ensures safety efforts remain consistent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of a dynamic campus community. 

A Shared Commitment to Safety 

By prioritizing visibility, education, and outreach, CSOs and RSOs support a culture of care and shared responsibility at CU Boulder. Their work helps deter unsafe behavior, encourages early intervention, and strengthens relationships—supporting a safe, welcoming place to live, learn, and work. 

We Want to Hear From You

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