UTSA Public Safety creates a safe and welcoming environment for all

AUGUST 28, 2024 — The UTSA Department of Public Safety fosters a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for the Roadrunner community through a wide array of safety programs and resources. The university encourages all new and returning students to explore and learn about these services as they head to campus for the fall semester.

A key element of UTSA Public Safety’s work to enhance campus safety measures and support services is developing community partnerships to complement on-campus efforts and extend UTSA’s impact beyond campus borders. These partnerships are vital to the department’s success and have a direct impact on the quality of life and educational experience for all Roadrunners.

“One of our biggest priorities is to build connections —both between UTSAPD and our students as well as connecting the Roadrunner community with the local community,” said UTSA Chief of Police Stephanie Schoenborn. “UTSAPD’s active engagement in campus safety, through our resources and partnerships, helps create an environment that students, faculty and staff can be proud of and thrive in.”

“One of our biggest priorities is to build connections —both between UTSAPD and our students as well as connecting the Roadrunner community with the local community.”

On-demand safety escorts are available 24/7 on the Main, Downtown and Southwest campuses through the Rowdy Watch student program and the UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD). This service is designed for community members who have safety concerns while making their way across campus to their destination. To request a safety escort, call 210-458-4242 and a uniformed officer/guard or vehicle escort will be there soon.

For those at San Pedro I, the Downtown Campus or Southwest Campus, safety escorts are also available from Centro San Antonio ambassadors during designated times by calling 210-224-7747. UTSA partners with Centro to provide a safe, clean and welcoming campus experience at its downtown locations. Ambassadors’ visible presence at these locations helps prevent unwanted activity and improve safety. Centro kiosks are strategically located to provide services and information to the downtown community.

All Roadrunners are encouraged to download the free LiveSafe security mobile app, which connects users in real time to online safety resources as well as with UTSAPD dispatchers. The app allows users to anonymously submit reports of suspicious or dangerous activity, request a security escort and instantly share their location with UTSAPD in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, a “SafeWalk” feature enables users to share their location with friends or family, allowing them to virtually join the walk and confirm that their Roadrunner has safely arrived at their destination.

In case of an emergency, UTSA has a network of over 155 emergency blue phones placed strategically throughout all campuses. These emergency phones, easily identified by the blue light mounted above the phone box, are along walkways, in parking lots and garages, and closely positioned around many buildings. The phones give callers a direct line to UTSAPD, automatically pinpointing the caller’s location and allowing campus police to quickly dispatch officers to the area to assist in whatever capacity needed.

UTSAPD offers support services on and off campus to provide a safe space for victims of crimes. The goal is to connect those within the community who have been directly affected by crime with the resources and support they need. Services offered include safety planning, emergency relocation assistance, protective order assistance, home and safety inspection and resource referrals. For assistance, contact UTSAPD at 210-458-6250 or 210-458-4242 at any time, day or night.

To help prevent bicycle theft, free bicycle registration and storage is available on the Main and Downtown campuses throughout the year. Anyone who bikes on campus is encouraged to register their bicycle with Campus Services to receive a permit number for their bike, which serves as a theft deterrent and makes it easier to contact the owner to avoid impoundment. Additionally, students who will be away for a long weekend or holiday break can drop their bike off with UTSAPD, which will store it in a safe, secure, indoor location.

UTSAPD also offers free U-locks, which secure a bicycle frame and wheel to a bike rack, to currently registered students. U-locks and bicycle drop-off are available 24/7 at the Bosque Building on the Main Campus and at the Security Services Desk in the Frio Street Building at the Downtown Campus.

Whether assisting in-person, through safety escorts, conducting patrols, responding to emergency calls or by providing valuable safety resources, UTSA Public Safety is dedicated to maintaining a safe campus environment that allows students, faculty and staff to feel secure as they learn, work and discover.

— Kevin Arnold and Elyse Brown