The University of Rochester Department of Public Safety (DPS) is prioritizing a community approach to campus safety. At the helm of this effort is captain Jacqueline (Jackie) Shuman. Shuman joined DPS in 2021 after serving as an investigator with the Rochester Police Department and was promoted to captain on September 1, 2024 to lead community engagement efforts, ensuring that DPS serves as a visible, reassuring, and readily accessible presence across the academic and medical centers.
“Creating confidence in DPS starts with active listening, empathy, and authenticity. We want everyone to know our department is service-oriented and here to help,” says Shuman.
DPS is a 24-hour/seven days-a-week operation that protects and supports University students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. It has been accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators since 2020, making it one of only 72 institutions of higher education that currently holds this designation.
With the arrival of Quchee Collins, inaugural associate vice president of Public Safety and chief Public Safety Officer, DPS has reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and people-first approach to keeping all of Rochester’s campuses as safe as possible.
In addition to Shuman, the DPS community engagement team consists of Captain Joe Reed and Lieutenant Tom Andreano. The trio recently hosted a series of pop-up events in Wilson Commons sharing important information on vehicle safety and offering electronic device registration.
Building relationships of mutual trust and respect is a cornerstone to addressing unique needs, concerns, and issues across the University of Rochester community. As DPS continues to evolve, the community engagement team will remain dedicated to keeping the University community informed with a collaborative and transparent approach to campus safety. Recent initiatives include:
- An expanded bike patrol, now with 17 officers trained through the International Police Mountain Bike Association.
- Updates to the DPS website that include messages from the chief, an easy to access daily crime log, and improved feedback page.
- Enhanced resources for vehicle safety, including Operation Park Safe.