“We care deeply about the University of Delaware community that we are called to serve,” said Patrick Ogden, associate vice president and chief of UD Police. “In fact, many of our officers and staff members have graduated from UD. And if they haven’t, members of their family have. That level of connectedness reinforces our firm commitment to preserving safety at this University. Each year, we promote our services and deliver programming aimed at informing UD students, faculty and staff on how to reach us when they need us.”

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. In recognition, here’s what you need to know about UD Police and the University’s commitment to ensuring your safety:

What to do in an emergency

Dial 911 for any emergency situation, whether on or off campus. Program into your phone the UDPD phone number for non-emergency situations: 302-831-UDPD. You also can visit UD Police at 413 Academy Street. Safety blue lights across campus connect directly with UD Police. (There are dozens on the Newark campus, as noted with the blue dots on this map.)

UD Police’s Communication Center

If you call UD Police, you will speak to a live person in UDPD’s 911 Communication Center who is there to help. Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for 365 days each year, the UD Police call center maintains a standard of dispatching in less than two minutes for all emergency calls received. UD Police is one of only 12 agencies in the state of Delaware with a 911 call center.

UD Alert

An important element in UD Police’s safety-communication system, UD Alert offers a succinct description of an incident, including the type of crime and the location, date, and time it occurred, among other key details. These messages are sent when there is an imminent danger to the safety and welfare of the UD community. The UD Alert system supports the University’s adherence to the Clery Act — federal legislation that requires institutions to share timely warnings in an expedited manner. Learn more about UD Alert and confirm your contact information to ensure you can receive UD Alerts.

LiveSafe app

Download the LiveSafe app. This free smartphone app supplements the UD Alert system. “The LiveSafe app is like having a blue light phone right in your pocket,” Ogden said. Here’s how it works: LiveSafe helps users prevent crime and assists users in responding to incidents, like road closures and other non-emergency situations. LiveSafe also provides a Safe Walk, with students asking friends or family to virtually escort them to their destination and providing real-time location alerts. Anyone can use the LiveSafe app, including parents, community members and visitors to UD’s campus.

Gold-standard accreditation

UD Police is among several university law enforcement agencies in the country to be accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), widely considered the gold standard in public safety on college and university campuses. UDPD holds a second CALEA accreditation for its 911 call center, too.

Safe-ride service

This free service is available to all students, faculty and staff from UD property or contiguous street, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Arrange a pick-up by calling 302-831-RIDE; using one of the campus blue light phones; or by downloading and using the LiveSafe app.

Cameras on campus

Did you know UD has more than 1,100 public safety cameras on campus? An ongoing, multi-phased project will introduce several dozen more to the entrances and exits of campus residence halls.

Access control hardware

A multi-phased project to install access control hardware and surveillance cameras at additional campus locations is currently underway. These measures, including new card readers and electronic door locks, will provide for a safer campus.

Stay vigilant

If you see something, say something by contacting UD Police. Protect yourself and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night. Follow common sense safety precautions at all times. Keep the doors to your vehicle and residence locked. Be cognizant of who is entering the buildings; do not allow people you don’t know to “tailgate” into your residence hall. Register your bike with UD Parking Services. Report maintenance issues like broken locks or windows.

Learn more

UDPD is committed to continuing education programs that further enhance the department’s abilities. In late 2024, UDPD completed a two-year trust-building campaign aimed at better supporting the University and Newark communities. For members of the UD community, UDPD offers educational programs and services annually to better serve the University community. These include an active shooter preparedness program, a rape aggression self-defense program and more.

Other campus resources

A wealth of resources and services is available to you through UD if you believe you are a victim of a crime. There are countless other resources available at UD to support you on your path to success — from student counseling to overall student wellbeing.