Chief's Message
The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is committed to actively engaging in a comprehensive Community Oriented Policing strategy, based on the six (6) pillars of 21st Century Policing, adopting service to the community as the overarching philosophy of the organization.
We have dramatically increased our crime prevention and outreach efforts to provide more ways for the campus community to interact with us than ever before. In addition to our Community Police Academy, Police Student Ambassador Program, internship programs, on-going crime prevention programs, outreach and marketing events, community forums, and through personal interaction with members of the community, we are continually seeking opportunities to explore how to better engage in open and frank dialogue so that we may remain a trusted community resource and maintain a safe environment.
We are committed to our Values and Mission, embracing a guardian philosophy whereby we endeavor to be peacekeepers and caretakers, enforcing the law when it is reasonable and prudent to keep the community safe. We also understand the value of community restorative justice programs, and when appropriate, may divert some matters to the Dean of Students Office or Human Resources Office for adjudication, rather than through the criminal justice system.
No matter what brings you to our beautiful campus, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department is here to protect and enhance the safety and well-being of our community. We encourage each and every one of you to act in partnership with the Police Department to address community and quality of life issues, public safety, as well as increase the public’s understanding of law enforcement.
We would very much like to hear from you. Please send an email to police@ucsc.edu, and tell us how we are doing.
On behalf of the men and women of the UC Santa Cruz Police Department, we are very much honored to serve you!
