Members of the med center community may have noticed a change around campus last week as campus security unveiled a new name, new uniforms and new vehicle designs that are part of the continuing evolution of the department.
Part of the re-imaging of the department is the name — “Security” will now be referred to as “Public Safety.”
“Although they are doing great work to keep our campuses safe, the department is much larger than just security,” Chief Charlotte Evans said. “The Department of Public Safety serves as an umbrella that holds the units of security patrol, police investigations, dispatch, youth safety, emergency management (at UNO only), and a support unit that includes access management, security camera management, and staff training. Every unit is doing their part to keep the campus safe.”
“We are also currently adding a law enforcement patrol presence,” Chief Evans said. “These police officers are university employees, dedicated to our campus/hospital community to provide another layer of response to criminal behavior and critical incidents. Our goal is to increase safety to those who work, learn, and visit our campus.”
The security officers and the law enforcement officers will be distinguishable by both their uniforms — gray shirt and black pants for security, black shirt and black pants for officers — and by their cars, with security using white vehicles and law enforcement black ones.
“This is new to everyone at UNMC, so we want to provide a clear distinction between the two,” Chief Evans said.
Both will wear the same patch, though, which has the University of Nebraska seal. “The seal was selected because officers serve both campuses and the patch provides consistency.” Chief Evans said. “The seal was also selected in an effort to continue advancing consistency across our system in the area of public safety.”
Although less noticeable, the visual rebranding and addition of law enforcement are not the only changes happening right now in public safety. The department is also advancing its staff training efforts in areas such as de-escalation, threat assessment, standards/compliance and outreach. Plus, they are working closely with IT and facilities to identify partnership opportunities to enhance building safety through environmental design, visitor management, and camera functions.