Office of the Chief

The department's Community Engagement unit provides the campus community with expertise on crime prevention techniques and safety practices. The unit, currently staffed by Sergeant Andrew Valenzuela, Officer Joe Bermudez, and Crystal Hernandez, will provide work and residential areas with a "Security Survey" to assess the area's security.

The Community Engagement function also coordinates various presentations on a wide range of topics, ranging from alcohol and DUI to sexual assault, and personal and property security.

To schedule a presentation, please call 520-621-4219

Workplace Violence - Nothing is more important to a university than the safety and security of its employees, students, and visitors. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, visitors, guests or other individuals by anyone on university property will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action which may include dismissal, arrest, and prosecution. Any person who makes substantial threats, exhibits threatening behavior, or engages in violent acts on university property shall be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits and remain off the university premises pending the outcome of an investigation.

Sergeant Andrew Valenzuela is the primary University of Arizona Police Department P.I.O. (Public Information Officer). He is responsible for disseminating information to the public, particularly to the UA community. Any questions pertaining to campus safety may be directed to the Community Engagement Office or if you're interested in scheduling a safety lecture, please call 520-621-4219.

The UAPD Training Unit, headed by Sgt. Martin Ramirez, oversees the training of all UAPD employees and is responsible for the yearly continuing training and certification of police officers from the moment of hire and throughout the officer’s employment at UAPD. The Training Unit works with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZ POST) to ensure officer certifications remain current. This is accomplished through ongoing training in such areas as: legal updates, search and seizure, firearms, TASER, driving, defensive tactics, less lethal munitions and impact weapons.

The Training Unit is also involved with the initial certification process for recruit police officers. The Training Unit serves as the departmental liaison for recruits as they attend the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center’s (SALETC) 17-week Basic Peace Officer Academy. Following the academy, the Training Unit coordinates post-basic training for the new officers and monitors the Field Training Phase that the new officers must complete before they are released to operate in a solo capacity.