Catholic University continues to take action to protect our campus community. Keep track of the University’s latest safety and security initiatives using our Dashboard. Updates are posted weekly to help keep our community informed.


The University is swiftly working to improve these areas:

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    Increase DPS Visibility

    DPS officers are increasing foot, vehicular, and bike patrols to raise visibility inside and along the perimeter of campus. Additional DPS patrol vehicles are being put into service by early October, enabling our officers to enhance their visibility while reducing unwanted activity on and around campus.

    Status
    : Completed
    Fully Implemented by: Early October 2023

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    Arm DPS Officers

    We will immediately begin to increase our armed officer presence on campus, and more DPS officers will be carrying authorized firearms. The necessary training, certifications, and credentialing have been ongoing, and we expect that there will be an armed DPS presence on every shift. Armed officers will be trained by August 1, 2023.

    Status: Completed
    Fully Implemented by: August 1, 2023

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    Hire Supplemental Security

    We have engaged City Security, a security support service, that will provide one officer to our campus immediately to patrol the entrance of the Brookland/CUA Metro station on McCormack Street. Before the beginning of the academic year, we will increase the number of additional officers at McCormack to four, so that from 8 a.m. to midnight every day there will be an officer patrolling the Metro stop and near the DuFour Athletic Center.

    Status: Completed
    Fully Implemented by: Start of Fall 2023 Semester

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    Campus Safety Training

    New safety training materials are being developed by University Communications, Department of Public Safety, D.C. Metro Police, and other university divisions to help remind students, faculty, and staff about resources available on campus to keep them safe. Materials will be available at the start of the academic year.

    Status: Completed
    Fully Implemented by: Start of the Fall 2023 Semester

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    Hiring an Emergency Coordinator

    We expect to hire a full-time director for emergency services by mid-August.

    Status: Completed
    Fully Implemented by: Start of the Fall 2023 Semester

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    Install Keycard Access

    Electronic keycard access points are being installed on the exterior of academic and administrative buildings to make certain that only authorized persons are entering those buildings (all residential buildings and some academic buildings already feature these). 262 Card Readers installed with 98 remaining to be installed by spring semester 2024.

    Completed:
    86% complete
    Status: In progress 
    Fully Implemented by: Spring Semester 2024

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    Install Security Cameras

    600 Security Cameras installed since 2021 (700% increase). 97 remain to be installed by spring semester 2024.

    Completed:
    86% complete
    Status: In progress 
    Fully Implemented by: Spring Semester 2024

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    Install Door Locksets

    We have begun a phased installation of code compliant door hardware that incorporates a shelter-in-place function. The new locksets will be installed on classroom doors throughout the University throughout the spring semester.

    Status: In progress
    Fully Implemented by: Spring Semester 2024

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    Coordinate with MPD

    To enhance campus safety, we will request increased patrols on John McCormack Drive and assign an MPD representative to train new students at Freshman Orientation. We'll also seek a dedicated police officer for Monroe Street during peak times and explore MPD/District programs for campus safety.

    Status: Completed

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    Engagement with City Leadership

    President Kilpatrick has reached out to both President Patricia McGuire of Trinity University and President Wayne Frederick of Howard University to begin a conversation on how to address crime in our respective neighborhoods. He has also asked to meet with Mayor Bowser to discuss crime in the District, its impact on our community, and the safety of our campus. 


    Status: Completed

Updated on April 5, 2024


Previously Completed Projects

  • Installation of 33 panic alarms
  • Coordination of frequent emergency drills on campus and enhanced training for DPS officers
  • Improved safety education sessions for the University community 
  • Creation of clear building addresses and signage allowing first responders to quickly and directly find the fire, police, or health emergency when 911 is called.

Pending Projects

  • Addressing overgrown vegetation to make cleaner lines of sight and transit
  • Examining the campus after dark to ensure safety lighting is sufficient
We will continue to keep the community informed about developments and improvements to the safety and security of campus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Department of Public Safety

Department of Public Safety
121 Leahy Hall
Emergency Number: 202-319-5111
TTY/TDD: 202-319-5736
When off campus: call 911

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Campus Partners