News

Public Safety recently published its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2021.

Public Safety hosted Security Awareness Day at each campus, providing free bike tune-ups, electronic tattoos, knowledge about crime prevention tools, discounted bike locks, and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Public Safety and NYPD representatives on personal safety. 

The great teamwork by Public Safety in Manhattanville prevented a possible larceny after being notified that a male was attempting to remove the front tire from a secured bike on W129th Street.

 

The response by Columbia University Public Safety to a manhole fire on W. 115th St. in the middle of the night on August 16 epitomized the department’s motto of Pride, Professionalism and Service. The sergeant and officers went above and beyond during a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, showing initiative and selflessness while leading a successful response without incident or injury.

 

As our University community fully returns to learning and living together, we write today to share important information and University resources for your safety.

 

As part of the Columbia Community Service (CCS) Back to School Supply Drive, CCS and the Office of Public Safety teamed up to collect school supplies for over 700 students in the local community. 

The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more. 

Public Safety has partnered with Vistelar, a conflict management training and consulting institute to offer an online training to serve as a supplement to the comprehensive crisis management and de-escalation training already in place.  

I am pleased to welcome you back to campus as we begin a new academic year of in-person learning. As we continue as a community to navigate through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Department of Public Safety’s commitment to maintaining the health and safety of the Columbia community remains as strong as ever. Please take a moment to read about some important Public Safety resources available to you.

After receiving a call from a CU affiliate requesting immediate assistance to help a family member who was locked in their apartment bathroom due to a defective door lock, Sergeants Michael Rodriguez and Peter Plata immediately responded and, together with the building superintendent, were able to free the family member from the room without harm.

 

As we prepare for the return to campus, Public Safety will be hosting personal safety training sessions for students, faculty, and staff to provide tips on how to be mindful of what is present and happening around you. Register today!

Public Safety Officer Richard Castro’s quick response helped to revive an unaffiliated male near the Medical Center from an overdose. After being notified about the unresponsive individual, Castro quickly notified the Operations Desk to dispatch emergency responders and stayed onsite to assist a CUIMC doctor in the area who administered treatment. PSO Castro’s quick actions, calm demeanor, and professionalism played a major role in saving the man’s life.

 

On Wednesday, August 25th, 2021, Public Safety will support the 6th Annual Back-2-School community event being held at Old Broadway between 125th and 126th Street, from 1 PM - 5 PM and hosted by the 26th Precinct Community Affairs along with Manhattan Community Board 9, featuring a school supplies distribution, entertainment, refreshments, and other back-to-school resources.

The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more. 

The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more.