Public safety officials, law enforcement leaders, and students gathered at the University of Utah on March 19 for the 2026 Utah Campus Safety Summit. The sold-out event focused on preparing campuses for emergencies and preventing violence through coordinated planning and improved communication.
Focus on Active Threats
The summit, hosted by the University of Utah Department of Public Safety, marked its fourth year of operation. Keith Squires, the university's chief safety officer, said he established the forum to allow university and school safety teams across the state to train alongside their partners.
This year’s theme centered on preventing and preparing for active threats. Organizers emphasized that such discussions are necessary as universities navigate a complex landscape involving physical threats, misinformation, and heightened anxiety during emergencies.
Lessons From Past Tragedies
Keynote speaker Kristina Froling, a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, shared her personal experience to urge campuses toward stronger emergency planning. Froling noted that as threats have evolved, so has the understanding of necessary responses, stating that preparation can save lives.
Kim Barnett, the deputy chief safety officer for support services and a summit organizer, said the event is designed to evolve annually to address current risks. She noted that this year's presentations were intended to offer practical, tangible actions to help staff and colleagues maintain safety.
Importance of Communication
The summit highlighted the necessity of collaboration between campus police, local agencies, and students. Discussions specifically addressed student concerns regarding the speed and clarity of information during active incidents.
Speakers emphasized that communication is just as vital as response time, noting that delays or unclear messaging can increase fear even when a situation is under control.
Standardized Emergency Protocols
To standardize emergency responses, the University of Utah has implemented the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This unified approach uses a common vocabulary to ensure students, faculty, and visitors understand specific directives during incidents ranging from weather events to security threats.
The protocol includes specific actions such as Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. The university also utilizes specialized alerts like Safety Notices for vigilance and Campus Advisories to communicate operational disruptions.
Ongoing Safety Resources
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety continues to promote various safety resources, including the Threat Assessment and Management Partnership (TAMP) and tools for reporting crimes. The university provides a Silent Witness form for those wishing to report incidents like assault or burglary anonymously to the police.
For emergencies or crimes in progress, the university directs individuals to call 911 or University Police immediately.
