Last year, UBC Campus Security conducted an in-depth review of its operational service model to better align to the evolving needs of the UBC community. Since the conclusion of this engagement, nine themes have been identified to guide and inform the ongoing development and refinement of this model.
This process validated the work UBC Campus Security has engaged in to align its services to a higher level of community connectivity and consideration of risk. The nine themes provide a clear pathway for continued maturation of the service model and have clarified the future state of the program, which will taken an even more proactive approach to security with expanded engagement, accessibility, visibility, diversity, and approachability of patrol teams.
To achieve the future state of the service model, Campus Security has developed a road map for the department. The road map outlines interconnected and progressive projects and details the changes to the organization, services, operating model, infrastructure, institutional processes, and internal cultural considerations that are required. All projects focus on alignment between Campus Security and the community.
View the nine themes:
Awareness of certain services such as Safewalk is quite high, but the importance of sharing information on all of Campus Security services, how and when to use them is seen to be very important. Engagement with the community was seen as imperative to increase trust and build awareness.
There was a clear message that there needs to be more trust in Campus Security, and it was suggested that trust could be fostered by:
-
- Having more face-to-face time with students and staff outside of emergency situations;
- Receiving responsive and supportive help when it is needed; and
- Being intentional about uniforms to ensure they foster a sense of community safety.
In some cases, the response times of Campus Security are seen as quite prompt, while others believe response times are much too slow and not meeting expectations. Regardless, there was a sense of the importance of prompt and effective responses.
Participants felt that employees need to be well-equipped and competent to provide a consistent and effective service. Participants felt that Campus Security is overextended due to the large campus and scope of responsibilities in a growing campus and community.
Many participants spoke of the infrastructure that is needed to increase feelings of safety, primarily, lighting. Lighting is a primary concern to participants, who referenced the feelings of feeling unsafe in dim-lit and quiet spaces on campus. While some participants feel there should be more cameras on campus, others do not.
Participants believe Campus Security needs to clearly define and communicate its scope, especially in relation to its partners and other emergency responders. Specifically, relationships with the RCMP, transit, and other non UBC partners have been suggested to be the focus of further review and clarification.
Preventing security and safety incidents from occurring in the first place is seen as crucial to supporting a vibrant campus. To do this, suggestions were made to increase presence by frequency of patrols, increase the number of cameras, and increase emergency blue phones.
Preventing security and safety incidents from occurring in the first place is seen as crucial to supporting a vibrant campus. To do this, suggestions were made to increase presence by frequency of patrols, increase the number of cameras, and increase emergency blue phones.
Many respondents already feel safe on campus, while others feel their safety and security is not adequately supported. There is shared concern about a growth in mental health considerations, and a desire to provide appropriate supports to those who need them.
First Steps
The first steps of the road map have included the validation and initiation of new services and work streams to prepare for further growth, including:
- A dedicated Strategy and Partnerships team to centralize and enhance the department’s capabilities in operational planning and project delivery;
- A Threat Assessment team with the goal to identify, prevent, and intervene on threats of targeted violence towards the University and its community;
- A dedicated event risk assessment and oversight program;
- The integration of the Access Key Desk from UBC Parking to the Campus Security team;
- A robust training and professional development program for staff; and
- An identity and values redesign project to translate the new service model into a compelling and cohesive visual identity and communication strategy.
Next Steps
Looking into the future, the road map will include further evolution of the operating model as well as substantive changes to departmental infrastructure and campus integration, such as:
- The formal launch of the new service streams and associated programs, including enhanced risk and threat assessment and workplace violence prevention;
- A dedicated Community Support team for outreach and tailored response complex calls for service;
- Centralized technology infrastructure and capacity in service request triage and case management; and
- An increased integration with other UBC and external service providers.
Refinement and Continual Improvement
The long term vision identified in the road map will require an ongoing focus on service evolution and resource allocation based on integrated risk data and greater accessibility across campus.
The projects identified in our road map will be ongoing, with major milestones expected over the next three years. Our road map is a continual journey to align our services to a higher level of community connectivity and consideration of risk, and will adapt and evolve as we achieve each milestone.
Thank you to those who participated in the 2023 Campus Security model validation, and to our entire community in helping to create a safe and secure space for all. For questions or assistance, please reach out through our contact us page.
