The 2023 Vancouver Campus Security report shows Campus Security received a total number of 34,234 calls for service — over triple the previous year’s 10,017 calls — and 12,230 incident reports.
Nearly all incidents increased except for property protection and access, which saw a slight decrease from 7,141 reports to 6,903. The number of incidents involving persons increased from 18 to 49, with 21 reports of assault and 16 reports of uttering threats.
Incidents involving property also increased with general theft going from 65 cases to over 80 and bike theft specifically had over 80 cases. There was also a slight increase in breaking and entering and theft involving automobiles.
In a statement to The Ubyssey, Director of Campus Security Sam Stephens attributed this increase to the return of pre-COVID campus operations, a focus on detailed data and incident reporting and greater awareness of Campus Security services which have led to more community members reporting incidents.
“Additionally, the presence of more non-community members on campus resulted in an increase in incidents such as theft, mischief, and trespassing,” wrote Stephens.
The report is usually presented to UBC’s Board of Governors in June, but this year it was not presented until September because “Campus Security was given an extension in order to focus on operational responses to the MacInnes Field protest encampment,” according to UBC Media Relations Director of University Affairs Matthew Ramsey in a September statement to The Ubyssey.
Over the summer, a Palestinian solidarity encampment took place on the field for 71 days and also saw protestors occupy buildings, organize vigils and hold demonstrations demanding UBC divesting from companies protestors say are complicit in Palestinian human rights abuses. There were also two encampment-related arrests, both for mischief.
“During the summer, the encampment did impact our day-to-day operations, particularly regarding resource allocation and coordination,” wrote Stephens. “We responded with enhanced planning and collaboration to manage these events in an inclusive way, supporting campus activities to continue with minimal disruption.”
Looking ahead, the report also outlined challenges in 2024, with one being to continue to have adequate support “due to the considerable increase in demonstrations and protests, primarily related to ongoing global conflicts and other community concerns.”
Campus Security unveils three year road map
Campus Security also initiated and completed a year-long community-wide research, consultation and engagement process called the Model Validation Project.
Stephens wrote, “this year’s publication took slightly longer due to our efforts to complete the Model Validation Project ... which required additional time to incorporate into the report.”
The project concluded with the creation of a three year roadmap for the department. This roadmap was further split into 52 actionable projects. Some of these items include the development of a specialized community support team to respond to first aid calls, mental health concerns and reports of domestic or sexual violence.
Campus Security also had their first leadership strategic collaboration session and consisted of Campus Security members addressing the goals and priorities of the department. The session highlighted an emphasis on team culture and the need to bridge gaps in between different campus security units.
Investments were also made for staff’s professional development with training in areas such first aid, mental health and equity, diversity and inclusion. Staff were also trained on threat readiness, which included education on the threat landscape and emergency management protocols.
In 2024, the Campus Security team participated in a refresher training session that covered recognizing opioid overdose signs and symptoms, conducting patient assessment, administering nasal naloxone and providing patient care. This provided the team with up-to-date overdose knowledge and response skills.
“Our focus in Campus Security remains the safety of our community,” wrote Stephens.
“We are committed to continuing to create a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community.”
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