Campus Safety

The Department of Public Safety provides comprehensive programs, including security patrol, escort, and access services, to maintain a safe and secure campus environment that is conducive to learning, working, living and visiting.

A staff of trained professionals, including commissioned special police officers, focuses on crime prevention and investigation, safety education, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

Services are coordinated closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies. Safety education and awareness programs are conducted for students throughout the academic year. The department works closely with other student life services to implement initiatives to support healthy individual and community living and learning. The department seeks opportunities to partner with students, staff, and faculty to achieve the goal of a safe and secure campus.

Public Safety has the primary responsibility for the personal and property safety program for the campus.

Information about all of CUA’s Department of Public Safety services and policies can be found on their website.

Department of Public Safety
Emergency Number: 202-319-5111
121 Leahy Hall

The Catholic University of America provides a comprehensive fire safety program for the protection of the campus community, coordinating personnel, and electronic and mechanical systems. All fire protection systems are regularly inspected and tested according to the District of Columbia Fire Code. The Catholic University of America ensures that appropriate prevention measures and response services are maintained. Fire alarms in McGivney Hall are linked to the Department of Public Safety Communications Center, which monitors activity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All life safety systems including all fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems are tested on a regular schedule determined by the District of Columbia Fire Code regulations. Annual safety inspections are conducted in addition to the independent testing of the alarm systems.

Unannounced fire drills are held annually in the fall for all academic/administrative buildings. Instructions outlining what to do in case of a fire and building-specific emergency evacuation plans are posted in prominent locations. These procedures are reviewed during required orientation programs, follow-up safety sessions, and fire drill exercises.

For a fire alarm in McGivney Hall, move to the nearest safe exit. Gather at the northeast emergency siren-call pole. Do not use elevators. Those who cannot exit via the doors should move to the north or south side exit stairwells, informing someone of location, gaining attention via a window if possible, or calling (202) 319-5111 to let the Department of Public Safety know their location.

Abandoned items found after an Institute event should be brought to the Lost and Found in Room 313.

Otherwise, as non-Institute students also use McGivney Hall classrooms, please turn in found items to the CUA Dept. of Public Safety’s Lost and Found in Leahy Hall Room 121.  Items found on campus outside McGivney Hall should also be turned in to the Leahy Hall office.