About PSAC

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Our purpose

The University of Chicago recently launched several new public safety initiatives in an effort to continue improving safety and security in and around campus. Recognizing the importance of engaging members of the campus and South Side communities in this work, the University created the Public Safety Advisory Council (PSAC), a formal mechanism for obtaining community input on issues impacting safety and security on campus and in the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) extended patrol area. PSAC is currently accepting applications for its inaugural representatives.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is central to PSAC’s mission.  PSAC will proactively seek feedback from a diverse group of stakeholders to identify public safety challenges and concerns. PSAC will facilitate positive, productive interactions between UCPD and the community it serves, working to generate awareness about public safety issues and programs and to promote transparency regarding the work of the Department of Safety and Security and UCPD.


Policy Development

By proactively engaging with the community, PSAC will provide critically important perspective in the development of public safety policies, practices, and protocols. PSAC is empowered to review existing policies and suggest new ones.


Who we are

PSAC’s composition is intended to amplify the voices of individuals living in diverse constituencies served by the University’s Department of Safety and Security. PSAC will be comprised of 13 voting members: one chair, four faculty representatives, three student representatives, two staff representatives, and three representatives from the surrounding community. PSAC will also be supported by six non-voting members who will bring valuable expertise and resources to the Council’s work.

Meet our members

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Identify and discuss issues affecting safety on campus and within the adjacent neighborhoods UCPD serves.
  • Collaborate with UCPD and DSS in the development of policies and programs that support bias-free, community-driven policing.
  • Review and provide recommendations related to existing and proposed policies, practices, or protocols that directly impact police-community interaction.
  • Develop and implement practices or protocols for obtaining regular community feedback on the performance of the University’s public safety operations.
  • Review and report on, as necessary, UCPD metrics of community concern (e.g., use of force, traffic stops, citizen complaints).
  • Assist UCPD in developing strategies and programs to inform the University community about public safety issues and DSS/UCPD operations and initiatives.