Police Department

UNC Police Department's number one priority is to provide a safe and secure environment to learn and work in. Our officers are on foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call us anytime at 970-351-2245.

The University of Northern Colorado Police Department is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our team of dedicated professionals provides 24/7 law enforcement, emergency response, and safety services across campus. We work closely with our campus partners to offer a variety of crime prevention and training programs for the campus community while also enforcing all University Regulations, Municipal and State Laws.

Guided by our core values, we strive to serve with integrity, always doing what is right by communicating openly, acting with compassion, and maintaining the highest level of honesty. We embrace service by putting the needs of our community before our own—standing ready to protect and support while working side by side with those we serve. And through excellence, we commit to positive growth every day, learning from each experience and continually striving to be better tomorrow than we are today.

Together, these principles shape our mission to build trust, enhance safety, and ensure the well-being of our university community.

What We Do

Campus Alerts

The UNC Police Department uses the Rave Guardian app and alert system to keep the campus community informed about emergencies, severe weather, and other events that may impact university operations. These alerts are a vital part of UNC’s emergency communication system, helping ensure that students, faculty, and staff receive timely and accurate information.

To stay connected, make sure you’re signed up for Rave alerts and that your cell phone number is current in your Ursa account. Keeping your contact information up to date ensures you won’t miss important notifications that could affect your safety or daily activities on campus.

For more details about how emergency alerts work and how to manage your notification settings, visit the UNC Alerts page.

Emergency Alerts

Preventative Patrols

UNC Police officers are a constant presence on campus, patrolling day and night to help deter crime and create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. Whether driving through campus or walking on foot, our officers are here to support a secure space where students can learn, live, and enjoy the college experience.

However, safety is a shared responsibility. While our patrols are proactive, they can’t prevent every incident. If you see something suspicious; whether it’s a person, behavior, or situation that doesn’t feel right, please call us immediately at (970) 351-2245. Your awareness and quick action can make a big difference in keeping our campus safe.

Other Services

The UNC Police Department provides a wide range of services to support both on-campus and off-campus community members. In addition to law enforcement and emergency response, we offer resources such as lost and found, secure property storage, crime prevention programs, and training classes focused on personal safety and awareness. These services are designed to promote a safer, more informed campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. To learn more about the full range of services we offer, please visit our Services page.

Safety Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Your safety is our top priority. The UNC Police Department encourages all students to take simple precautions to stay safe on and off campus. Following these tips can help prevent incidents and ensure a secure environment for everyone.

Safety Tips

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings; avoid distractions like headphones when walking alone.
Walk with friends or use UNC police escort services, especially at night.
Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated spaces.
Lock your doors and windows at all times; never prop open exterior doors.
Do not allow strangers to “tailgate” into residence halls or other secured buildings.
Park in well-lit areas and keep your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
Sign up for campus emergency notifications.
Keep valuables out of sight & record serial numbers.
If you bring your bike or scooter to campus register it with parking services to receive a free U-lock to better secure your bike or scooter.
Know where emergency phones are located and save campus police numbers in your phone. Campus map

How do I contact UNC Police

Call 911 from any campus phone to connect directly with UNC Police. From a cell phone, dial 970-351-2245 for the fastest response. If you dial 911 from a cell phone, your call will go to Weld County Dispatch, which works closely with UNC Police, but will most often lead to them needing to transfer your call back relaying information to UNC police department. You can also come visit us in person at Gray Hall on central campus any time.

Are concealed weapons allowed on campus?

No. Under Senate Bill 24-131, all firearms, whether concealed or openly carried, are prohibited on all higher education campuses in Colorado. Please see C.R.S. 18-12-105.5 or call 970-351-2245 for more information.

Does UNC Police have a lost and found?

Yes. We manage one of the three main campus lost and found locations. Others are at the University Center and Michener Library. Contact us at 970-351-2245 for assistance.

Students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled via their UNC email. To receive text alerts or use the Rave Guardian App, update your phone number in Ursa under the Emergency Alert section. You can visit the alerts page for more information.

C.R.S. 18-12-105.5

Effective July 1, 2024, the Colorado Legislature enacted Senate Bill 24-131, which significantly changes the rules regarding weapons on college and university campuses across the state.

Under this new law, it is now illegal to carry any type of weapon—openly or concealed—on the grounds or within the buildings of any public or private higher education institution in Colorado, regardless of whether the individual holds a valid concealed carry permit. This includes:

All campus buildings
Campus grounds
University-owned housing and facilities

If you have any questions or concerns please call UNC Police, 970-351-2245.