The University of Utah Department of Public Safety is emphasizing campus-wide emergency preparedness and student notification systems following reports of a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The university's emergency management division continues to encourage students to utilize mobile tools and opt-in for real-time alerts to ensure rapid communication during active threats.
Emergency Notification Tools
In a recent update regarding student safety, the University of Utah's Emergency Management division highlighted several critical tools for maintaining awareness during crises. The university advises all students to opt-in their mobile phone numbers through the Campus Information Center (CIS) to facilitate faster contact from officials during emergencies.
To further enhance personal security, the university recommends that students download the SafeU App. This resource provides access to essential emergency plans, various safety resources, and specialized features such as a virtual friend walk and work-alone check-ins. The university also continues to promote the fundamental life-safety principles of Run, Hide, Fight, and Help.
Departmental Oversight
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety operates under a structured framework designed to oversee all campus safety initiatives. The department's leadership, headed by Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires, manages several specialized divisions including University Police, Community Services, Campus Security, U Health Security, Clery Compliance, Emergency Management, and Emergency Communications.
Chief Safety Officer Squires, who previously served as the Utah Commissioner of Public:: Public Safety under Governor Gary Herbert, oversees the coordination of these various units. The department is currently working toward achieving accreditation from both the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Utah Chiefs of Police Association.
Public Safety Leadership
The Department of Public Safety's leadership structure includes several key officials dedicated to specific security bureaus. Deputy Chief Safety Officer Kimberly Barnett manages the Support Service Bureau, which encompasses the Emergency Communications Center, Campus Security, Clery Compliance, and student interns. Barnett joined the department following a decade of service with the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office.
Deputy Chief Scott Carver is responsible for the Police Services Bureau, managing all law and law enforcement-related functions on campus. Carver's extensive background includes serving as an undersheriff with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office/Unified Police Department and as a director within the Utah Department of Corrections.
Threat Assessment and Coordination
Beyond direct policing, the university maintains specialized roles for threat assessment and inter-agency coordination. Major Heather Sturzenegger serves as the Executive Officer, acting as the primary liaison between the Chief Safety Officer and external public safety agencies, while also managing community engagement and intra-departmental communication.
Threat assessment and management efforts are further supported by Associate Director Keith Livingston, who brings over 30 years of law enforcement and security experience to the role. Additionally, Stuart Moffatt serves as the Director of Emergency Management, overseeing a division that is currently expanding its scope to include travel safety protocols.
Campus Security Context
While the University of Utah continues to refine its internal security measures, recent news from other campus environments has highlighted the ongoing nature of campus safety challenges. AP News reported on a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), noting that investigators found the shooter did not appear to have targeted students specifically.
The university's commitment to creating a safe environment remains a central priority for its leadership, with Chief Safety Officer Squires stating that feeling safe and having a sense of belonging are imperative for the campus community to thrive.
