Public Safety
Your safety, and the safety of all students, faculty, staff and guests at our campus and satellite locations, is a top priority. GCU takes steps to protect you, all visitors and our properties — campus, residential halls, satellite locations and arena — 24 hours a day.
Our Department of Public Safety has established policies to maximize your safety by:
- Restricting parking access and issuing identifying decals for all cars parked on campus
- Controlling access points to campus
- Offering an Incident Awareness System with access to resources to help you recognize and respond to a potential security event
- Increasing security measures at all major events to include monitoring parking, bag searches, use of metal detectors and other resources as needed
- Establishing a campus patrolled by a sworn police department.
AlertGCU
AlertGCU is used to communicate time-sensitive information during an emergency to the campus community. Get the latest information from Public Safety about what is going on around campus and in our local neighborhood.
Contact Information
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
For assistance while at a GCU location, call 602-639-8100 from any phone.
For non-emergency, general questions and more information email the GCU Police Department at [email protected].
For campus safety and security training, contact Marcus Castle at [email protected].
Surviving an Active Shooter
Prepare yourself to survive an active shooting event by watching the FBI-sponsored video "RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooting Event."
Video Copyright © 2012 City of Houston.
File a Missing Person's Report
If you believe a student, faculty or staff member or visitor has gone missing from campus, call the Department of Public Safety at 602-639-8100.
Lost and Found
Get details about reporting or claiming items by visiting the Department of Public Safety on the first floor of the Grove Parking Garage or calling us at 602-639-8100.
Incident Reporting System — TIPS
The online TIPS reporting tool allows you to confidentially report a suspicious event, criminal activity, bullying, harassment or potential risk that may require a safety officer’s intervention.
GCU students, faculty and staff must have a parking permit to park on campus. Purchase your pass online or visit Public Safety, Building 80. Learn more about our parking permits, regulations and restrictions.
If you are having vehicle problems on campus, GCU’s Department of Public Safety can help by providing water or air for your vehicle, or other reasonable assistance as needed. Call 602-639-8100 for assistance.
If there is a safety concern or suspicious activity you need to report, use the blue light phones that can be found around campus. The phone pole flashes to signal distress. Safety officers always respond to campus emergencies.
GCU wants to ensure our students’ safety by having a process in place to intervene if someone is trying to harm themselves. If you suspect a student may try to harm themselves, contact [email protected]
GCU students, faculty and staff are automatically added to the AlertGCU emergency notification system. During an emergency, GCU can send text, email and desktop notifications.
- Students: Please contact your student services counselor (SSC) to update your emergency contact information.
- Faculty and staff: Please review and update your contact information within Workday.
All GCU students are responsible for obtaining a GCU student ID card that must be carried at all times while on campus or at GCU facilities. The GCU Department of Public Safety has the right to request your GCU student ID at any time.
If you bring a guest to campus, you are responsible for making relevant university policies and regulations known to your guest, and you must accept the responsibility for their conduct during their visit.
GCU has a Zero Tolerance Policy as it relates to violations of university policies and the law. Arizona laws, specifically regarding marijuana use, are stricter than many states. Students, faculty and staff are expected to be knowledgeable of the laws.
Events have increased safety and security measures to protect event participants. This includes clear bags, bag searches, use of metal detectors and other resources as needed. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated; please plan accordingly.
Led by instructor Marcus Castle, participants learn various defensive tactics to protect themselves from an attacker. For more information, contact [email protected].
Know the risk factors for fires, as well as university and student responsibilities for fire safety. For more information about fire safety on campus, take a look at the FEMA Campus Fire Safety brochure.
The Public Safety Drone Program at GCU leverages unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to protect lives and property by identifying hazards that may otherwise go undetected. The mission of the program is to provide FAA-compliant airborne support for police and campus safety operations through a safe, responsible, transparent approach to protecting campus community lives and property in a constitutionally and legally sound manner.
These drones aim to improve situational awareness for first responders, reduce emergency response times and support safer, more efficient safety operations while protecting student privacy. Drones are prohibited from recording private areas unless authorized by a judge’s warrant or during emergencies. By integrating drone technology into public safety efforts, the program seeks to enhance the security and well-being of the campus community.
For any questions or concerns regarding the Public Safety Drone Program, please contact the Public Safety Drone Team at [email protected] or reach out to the Public Safety Department at 602-639-8100.
GCU Police Department
GCU's certified police officers receive the same training as officers from city or county police agencies in Arizona, including background checks, polygraphs, psychological evaluations, physical tests and proficiency tests on firearms, Arizona laws and other procedural matters.
Consumer Information
Consumer information reports are compiled by GCU to help ensure we are meeting our high standards and to provide information about our university to the general public. Explore our reports and scorecards for more information.
Safety Tips
Public Safety wants members of the GCU community to understand the importance of taking safety precautions both on and off campus.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Walk with friends.
- At night, walk in well-lit paths.
- Carry a charged cell phone and keep Public Safety's number stored as a contact (602-639-8100).
- Learn the locations of the emergency blue light phones on campus, and use the blue light phone to signal distress or other safety concern.
- If you have a safety concern, you can contact Public Safety to request a safety escort.