Welcome to the Public Safety Services Page
This page of the Wellbeing website contains information surrounding Public Safety resources and services.
The main department that works towards improving public safety at UC Santa Barbara is the UCPD, and by extension, the SSP's. UCPD runs 24/7 and responds to both emergency and non-emergency situations. SSP's (Student Safety Partners) act as a bridge between the UCPD and students, providing safety escorts and security services and performing patrols to promote safety on campus and in campus housing.
UCSB Police Department (UCPD)
UCPD takes great pride in providing and promoting a safe and secure environment for the students, faculty, staff and visitors here at the University of California, Santa Barbara. We strive to work collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the University, and surrounding communities, in providing comprehensive, community-centered and professional police services where the vibrant and diverse campus community can thrive.
UCSB Police Officers have statewide jurisdiction; are duly sworn under section 830.2 of the California Penal Code; and are trained under state guidelines and mandates. The UCSB Police Department is a full service police organization that is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. UCSB PD values transparency in policing and encourages you to contact us if you have any questions related to the services provided by our department.
To make a report, visit the site above or fill out the following online form:
Collaborations & Trainings
Community Survey
We are always seeking to improve the services we provide our community here at UCSB. Please use the following link to tell us how your experience was at one of our events or presentations!
UCPD Youtube
UCPD Instagram
Learn About The Clery Act
Reports and Stats
The University of California Police Department is committed to keeping our campuses safe places for you to study, live, work and visit and we take pride in building effective problem-solving partnerships to enhance the safety and livability of the campus community for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Community Service Organization (CSO)
CSO (Community Service Organization) was created as an organization of students to act as a liaison between UCSB students and the Police Department. Over the last 30 years the organization has developed into a professional unit of the Police Department, effectively managing liaison responsibilities while ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and faculty. SSPs (Student Safety Partners) patrol the campus year-round, promptly reporting crimes in progress, assisting in emergency situations, and identifying potential safety hazards.
Moreover, SSPs also provide personal safety escorts on campus and in Isla Vista. They also fulfill special security needs for residence halls and campus special events. Notably, CSO provides a range of programs unmatched by any other department or agency in the campus or community, showcasing its distinctive student-centric approach.
As students, SSPs are employed by UCPD and work with the Police Department to serve the community. Conducting daily bicycle patrols enables SSPs to maintain a visible presence within the campus community, ready to assist in various situations. Whether it's helping with a lock-cut, calling Rescue for an accident, or requesting an officer to investigate suspicious activities, SSPs are here to provide timely support. Operating frequently on a peer-to-peer basis, SSPs often play a crucial role in de-escalating potential incidents before they escalate further. For further information, comments, concerns, or questions email cso@police.ucsb.edu.
Student Safety Partner Objectives
The following are some key objectives that SSPs strive to achieve.
- Cultivate a Secure Learning and Living Environment: SSPs are dedicated to fostering a safe environment that promotes effective learning and comfortable living for the UCSB community.
- Foster Campus-Wide Safety Awareness: Through their actions, SSPs aim to instill a sense of safety consciousness within every member of the campus community.
- Bridge Student-Police Relations: SSPs serve as a positive link between students and UCPD, contributing to a mutually respectful and understanding relationship.
- Facilitate Peer-Level Communication: Building an open line of communication among peers is a vital aspect of SSPs' role, ensuring that concerns and ideas are effectively shared.
- Advocate Bicycle Safety: SSPs actively promote bicycle safety and awareness, making the campus a safer place for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
- Provide Personal Safety Escorts: By offering personal safety escorts throughout campus and Isla Vista, SSPs enhance the well-being and comfort of their fellow students.
These objectives underscore the dedicated efforts of SSPs in enhancing the safety and overall experience of the UCSB community.
CSO Safety Escorts
The CSO Safety Escort Program is a free service provided to all students, faculty and community members during the evening and early morning hours. The safety escort service is based on the "buddy" system and the objective is to provide a safer mode of transportation through campus and Isla Vista. This involves pairing you with Student Safety Partners who will accompany you, whether you're walking or biking, to your intended destination.
SSPs are equipped with digital radios, enhancing their communication with Police Dispatch and Officers, thereby offering an additional layer of security. While not serving as physical bodyguards, SSPs are well-trained to promptly identify if an officer or medical assistance is necessary.
Safety Escorts are available for anyone 24/7, 365 days a year, and are encouraged for individuals who are walking or biking alone. When requesting an escort, you'll be asked for your name, location, any relevant room number, your chosen mode of transportation, and the specific destination.
It's essential to note that after guiding you to your destination, SSPs will return to their patrol duties and won't wait at the location. For the return journey, a separate request for a CSO Safety Escort will be required.
The CSO Safety Escort Service can be used by simply calling the Safety Escort Phone Line at 805-893-2000.
Safety Escorts can also be requested through the Blue Emergency Phones located all over campus. A map of all Blue Emergency Phones can be conveniently found on the UC Santa Barbara Campus Map.
CSO Special Events
SSPs fulfill special security needs for residence halls and campus special events. For more information or questions regarding this program or any other CSO issues, please contact below:
Pam Gebhardt, CSO Coordinator
cso@police.ucsb.edu | (805) 893-3928
Bike Safety
Bicycling is central to campus life at UC Santa Barbara, where thousands of students, staff, and faculty rely on bikes as their primary mode of transportation. With over seven miles of scenic bike paths weaving through campus, predictable and courteous riding is essential to keeping everyone safe—both cyclists and pedestrians.
Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with campus biking etiquette, including dismount zones, navigating roundabouts, riding safely at night, and preventing bike theft.
This page also provides guidance on what to do if you receive a citation or are involved in an incident, helping ensure that biking at UCSB remains efficient, safe, and enjoyable for all.
Raccoon Safety Information
Raccoons are a common sight on campus and in Isla Vista, but it’s important to remember they’re wild animals—not pets. While they may seem cute or curious, raccoons can carry diseases and may become aggressive if approached, fed, or startled. Interactions with raccoons may pose serious health risks for people and pets.
Coexisting safely with raccoons means being aware of the risks that come with living near local wildlife. Raccoons are most active at night and are often drawn to trash, outdoor pet food, and other easily accessible food sources. Preventing access to these items is an effective way to help avoid unwanted encounters.
If you’re bitten or scratched, or have concerns about a raccoon encounter, seek medical attention immediately and consult campus or local health resources.
