UCPD

UCPD is an acronym that most commonly refers to the University of Chicago Police Department, the sworn law enforcement agency responsible for safety and security on the University of Chicago campus in Chicago, Illinois. Because the same abbreviation is used by several universities for their campus police departments, the exact scope and authority can vary by campus.

The University of Chicago Police Department patrols university property, responds to emergencies, conducts investigations of crimes occurring on campus, and provides crime prevention programs and safety services such as safety escorts and security communications. Officers operate 24 hours a day and may include specialized investigative or traffic units. As a sworn police force, UCPD officers have police powers under state law to enforce laws on university property and, where authorized, in surrounding areas. The department works in collaboration with the Chicago Police Department and other local agencies to handle incidents outside campus boundaries.

Administrative and community roles include maintaining campus safety information, conducting outreach to students, staff, and visitors, and facilitating incident reporting and emergency notification. UCPD also maintains compliance with the Clery Act, publishing an annual Security and Fire Safety Report with crime statistics and safety resources. In addition to traditional patrol and investigations, universities using the UCPD designation often offer programs on crime prevention, vehicle safety, and crime analysis to reduce risk on campus.