Home > VI. Services

Chapter 1 – University Department of Public Safety

(Amended 9/93; 9/98; 1/10; 4/13; 10/16)

1.1 General

The University Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates 24 hours, seven days a week. Public Safety provides law enforcement by state certified peace officers and security services for University personnel and property. Additionally, DPS is responsible for the delivery of emergency communications for the University of Iowa campus. The Department of Public Safety actively promotes a safe and secure environment for all persons who come in contact with The University of Iowa, while supporting the University's goal to facilitate an atmosphere of quality education, research, and service. The Department of Public Safety maintains a well-trained and -equipped professional work force to respond to University needs. The department operates under the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations. 

1.2 Special Duty

It is desirable and often necessary for Public Safety personnel — UI police officers as well as civilian security officers employed by DPS — to be present during University educational, social, athletic, or other special events to provide security, crowd supervision, and traffic control. The Public Safety Department provides these services for any University department or organization upon receipt of a University requisition. The requisition must state the nature of the function, the estimated number of participants, and the hours required. Organizations using these services are urged to consult with the Department of Public Safety in advance to determine how DPS may best meet their needs. 

1.3 Services

(Amended 10/16)

The Department of Public Safety provides a number of campus services. Some of the most frequently used are:

  1. Fingerprinting service is provided for University personnel seeking citizenship papers, military commissions, passports, dental boards, government security clearances, and the like. Individuals in need of fingerprinting services are invited to contact DPS for available hours or go to the DPS website under FAQs.
  2. DPS employs a Threat Assessment Specialist who is dedicated to the early identification, assessment, and management of potentially dangerous incidents and behaviors which may threaten the safety of the University community.
  3. Nite Ride is a safe means of late-night transportation; details can be found on the DPS website.
  4. DPS will unlock offices for people who have locked their keys in their office. A person must have a picture ID for verification, and electronic records must confirm appropriate access. If verification is not possible, a person must contact his or her supervisor for access.
  5. DPS provides lost-and-found services located at DPS headquarters, 809 University Capitol Centre.
  6. UI Police offers two courses in Personal Safety and Self-Protection. Both courses are given upon group request and cover the principles of personal safety and self-protection with an emphasis on risk reduction for the University community. One course has a "disruptive persons" component and teaches de-escalation techniques for University employees.
  7. With regard to incidents involving sexual abuse, police officers are available to begin an investigation and to facilitate communications between the UI Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator, the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, other law enforcement agencies, and the Johnson County Attorney's Office. UI Police will not pursue a criminal case or contact anyone without the consent of the reporting party.
  8. Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training. The R.A.D. system, the largest women's self-defense program in the country, teaches risk education and self-defense techniques to women in the University community.
  9. UI Police offers a Violent Incident Survival Training (V.I.S.T.) class that teaches A.L.I.C.E. principles. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Taught throughout the United States, the A.L.I.C.E. course teaches individuals proven techniques and provides them with several options that are effective in avoiding, escaping and, if necessary, protecting intended victims from active shooters or other violent attacks on large numbers of people and increase the odds of survival.

(See also the Department of Public Safety website.)