The UTSA Department of Public Safety’s partnership with the campus community and surrounding areas has a direct impact on the quality of life and educational experience for all Roadrunners. To maintain the overall safety of the campus community, Public Safety offers several programs, services and educational opportunities.
Whether it’s informative events, victim services or on-demand safety escorts, the university’s public safety team continuously strives to provide resources to keep our Roadrunner community safe. As the fall semester gets underway, new and returning Roadrunners are encouraged to explore the services and programs available year-round through the UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD) and through its Security Services division, which is responsible for access control and security systems across all UTSA campuses.
24-Hour Campus Safety Escorts
On-demand safety escorts are available 24/7 on the Main, Downtown and Southwest campuses through Rowdy Watch and the UTSAPD. This service is designed for community members who have safety concerns and would like to have a security officer walk with them, for their safety, as they make their way across campus to their next destination. Students, faculty and staff can call 210-458-4242 at any time to request a safety escort. Thanks to a partnership with Centro San Antonio, Downtown Roadrunners can also contact Centro at 210-224-7747 to request a safety escort by one of their trained ambassadors.
LiveSafe at UTSA
The LiveSafe app connects the Roadrunner community to real-time safety resources to help them stay safe and secure. The app provides reports of suspicious or dangerous activity and gives users the option to share their location with UTSAPD in an emergency. The app also offers a SafeWalk feature so family members and friends can track their loved ones as they walk across campus.
When walking on campus students are encouraged to walk in a buddy system and in well-lit areas as a way to stay safe.
Important Safety Tips
Visit the UTSAPD website to get safety information on a variety of topics, such as alcohol and drugs, sexual assault and abuse, and personal and social media safety. The UTSA Risk Management website also offers safety tips.
Keep Your Bike Safe
Students have access to free bike storage on the Main and Downtown campuses through UTSAPD, which will store a bike in a secure location, safe and indoors while the owner is away for the weekend or on holiday breaks. Bikes are accepted at the Bosque Building. Visit the UTSAPD’s Bicycle Drop-Off page or call 210-458-4242 for more information.
Free U-Locks Are Available to Students
UTSAPD also offers free U-locks, which lock a bicycle frame and wheel to the bike rack. Locks are available 24/7 from UTSAPD dispatchers in the Bosque Building. Students can also stop by the Public Safety Community Support Center in the Student Union (SU 1.00.40) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 210-458-6250 to get a free lock.
Operation ID Protects Personal Property
Operation ID provides free engravings to secure personal items, keep personal items, including laptops, phones, tablets and bicycles. Email UTSAPD Community Affairs to schedule an appointment or stop by SU 1.00.40, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to request an engraving.
Victim Support Services
UTSAPD provides support services on and off campus. Its goal is to ensure the Roadrunner community’s safety and to provide a safe space for victims of crimes. Contact UTSAPD 24/7 at 210-458-6250 or 210-458-4242 for assistance.
Campus safety escorts are available for the ‘Runner community via the UTSA Police Department, Rowdy Watch and Centro San Antonio.
UTSA Public Safety also offers several events in the fall and spring semesters:
Self-Defense Classes
Students can learn basic self-defense movements and safety tips from UTSA Public Safety at one of their upcoming classes during the fall or spring semesters. The course is led by UTSA police officers who have strong backgrounds in martial arts
Valvoline Car Care Clinics
UTSAPD and Campus Services partner with Valvoline to host a Car Care Clinic each semester at the Ximenes Lot, near Tito’s Bike Shop. Roadrunners can get their car’s fluid levels, headlights, tire pressure and windshield wipers, among other things, checked for free.
Join Us for National Night Out
UTSAPD invites the Roadrunner community to celebrate their 50th anniversary at this year’s National Night Out (NNO) celebration, which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, on the Student Union Paseo. TxDOT brings its interactive drunk driving simulator, which is designed to teach students about the dangers of drunk driving and allows them to try on drunk goggles and get “behind the wheel” for a two-minute drive experience. The event will also feature music by DJ Gumby, games and door prizes.
The UTSA Police Department hosts National Night Out to strengthen the relationship between Public Safety and the campus community.
Stay Safe During Spring Break
Join UTSAPD in the spring for the “Drive Sober. No Regrets” event on the Student Union Paseo. TxDOT will once again bring its impaired driving simulator.
Watch for details in Campus Link and on TV monitors across campus for more information on these upcoming events.
