Bringing safety to the campus community | YouAlberta

Campus Life

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Jeremy (he/him) is in his final year of a MA in Communications and Technology (MACT) at the U of A. When he's not writing a paper or reading a book, you can find him on some of Edmonton's river valley trails, or trying to get sendy on his skis.

The Strategic Community Response Team (SCRT) is a specialized team within the University of Alberta Protective Services (UAPS). A few days ago I was able to connect with the team, Peace Officers Kerri and Jocelyn (and their wellness dog, Penny), to get a look at the work they do addressing safety and security at the U of A.

A common stereotype of the work they do is that it's all about "chasing bad people" and preventing crimes that are in progress, or investigating after the fact. Instead, I was able to see that they're taking a very proactive, collaborative approach within our community to empower others with practical information about safety and security. I also learned how to report to UAPS when things aren't right or an incident has occurred.

To learn more about the SCRT and their work, I asked them a few questions:

Tell me about your team. How does your work support our university community?

Our work centers on proactive engagement, incident response and building strong relationships within our community. We use an intelligence-led approach to identify and focus on "hot spots" so we can proactively address any emerging issues.

Part of our work includes conducting thorough security reviews of campus spaces, using principles of crime prevention through environmental design to enhance areas with safety and security in mind. This approach allows us to make recommendations that help create safer and more welcoming spaces for everyone.

We also support the university community through initiatives that promote awareness, preparedness and safety education. Our team connects with diverse groups on campus, tailoring support to meet specific needs and working closely with Facility Services Partners (FSPs) to address safety concerns in individual buildings.

Penny, the wellness dog.

Our wellness animal, Penny, is an important part of our team, offering mental health support to the campus community and our team members. This brings another layer of care to the work we provide.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Each day varies. Typically, we start with a review of incidents or concerns from the previous day to plan our focus areas, which might mean patrolling specific areas, supporting Facilities Services Partners or checking in on locations where we've seen recurring safety concerns. We also conduct security assessments, follow up on issues and engage with students and staff through presentations on safety and security. Twice a week, our wellness animal, Penny, joins us to bring support and comfort across campus wherever she's needed.

What are some practical, everyday tips to feel safe and secure?

Here are a few simple, everyday safety tips that everyone can use, many of which we cover in our safety presentations:

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Awareness is key when walking on campus or in a building. Avoid distractions like phones and headphones in quieter or less populated areas.
• Use well-lit, high-traffic routes: Stick to well-lit pathways and try to walk with others when possible, especially at night.
• Lock and secure belongings: Whether it's a lab, office or locker, keep valuables secure, and don't prop open doors, as this can invite unwanted access.
• Report suspicious activity: If you see something unusual, it's always better to let UAPS know. Reporting early helps track patterns and address potential issues before they grow.
• Know your resources: UAPS offers a range of services, including the Lone Worker Program and safety escorts. Familiarizing yourself with these resources can make a real difference in feeling safe on campus.

Safety and security aren't something we're responsible for alone. The SCRT and UAPSare there to help our community. In fact, if you're a student group that is regularly on campus outside of normal hours, you can request useful safety information or even a presentation from [email protected].

Peace Officers Kerri and Jocelyn are frequently out and about on North Campus with Penny, and if you see them, don't be afraid to say hello (and give Penny a pet if you like; she's really soft and friendly!). If you'd like to learn more about safety and security in general at the U of A, check out uab.ca/security.