UAPD Chief Olson Announces Enhancements to UAlert Notifications

Dec. 4, 2024
Chief Chris Olson, UAPD

 

At UAPD, our highest priority is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the U of A community. As part of this commitment, we have made enhancements to UAPD internal protocols regarding the UAlert notification system. 

Based on valuable feedback from our campus community, we have refined our internal processes, as I share in this video message, to provide more comprehensive and timely information during emergencies. 

As a reminder, the university uses UAlert to send notifications to the community via email and SMS text messaging in the event of an emergency. This can include a severe weather event, a hazardous material spill, criminal activity, or any other urgent situation. 

Recent Enhancements to UAlert 

Moving forward, here is what you can expect from UAlert: 

  • Immediate alerts: You can expect to receive the first UAlert sooner, as UAPD 911 dispatchers are now authorized to initiate UAlert messages through the system upon confirming an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community. 
  • Frequent updates: UAlert notifications will continue to be sent to provide timely updates during an ongoing situation. 
  • Essential information: UAlert notifications will continue to include essential information about what is happening, where it's happening, what actions, if any, you should take, and how to access available resources. 
  • Closing message: Once the immediate situation is resolved, a final UAlert notification titled "closing message" will be sent. 

How to Receive UAlert Notifications 

All students, faculty, staff and designated campus colleagues are automatically enrolled to receive UAlert notifications via email. You can also receive UAlert notifications on your cellphone via SMS text messaging and through the downloadable LiveSafe app. 

Please add or update your U.S. cellphone number in UAccess to receive text messages or register your cellphone number on the UAlert sign-up page. Families and friends can also sign up for UAlert.

Staying informed during an emergency is crucial. I encourage you to keep your contact details updated and share this information with those close to you. 

For more information about UAlert, please visit safety.arizona.edu/ualert. For additional safety resources, visit safety.arizona.edu. 

We sincerely appreciate your feedback as we work diligently to enhance safety across the university. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Public Safety at publicsafety@arizona.edu. 

This article originated as an email sent to all students, faculty, staff and DCCs.