IUPUC’s new Public Safety team shares the top four things they want you to know

by Brooke Hall
April 11, 2023
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You may have noticed some new faces in IUPUC’s Office of Public Safety department. While the team is relatively new to this campus, they have more than 50 years of collective experience in policing.

After retiring with 20 years of service in municipal policing, Lt. Kyle Young started at IUPUC in January. He has two full-time officers on his team; Officer Nick Martoccia who works days and started in October; and Officer Bill Kennedy, who works second shift and started in January 2022. Plus, the department employs part-time cadets in IUPUC’s Cadet Officer Program.

Here’s what the Public Safety team wants the IUPUC community to know:

1. If you need help on campus, call 812-348-SAFE or 812-348-7233.

The campus police are here to help if you have vehicle trouble, if you have problems with an individual (including someone in the outside community), if you feel unsafe, or if you see something strange on campus.

You can also use one of the emergency boxes at Entrance 1, 2 or 3, which connect to the same number. Or, in an emergency, dial or text 911.

2. If you see something, say something.

“The most important part of maintaining a safe campus is keeping an open line of communication,” said Lt. Young. “We want everyone in our college community to feel safe and to be safe.”

If you see something concerning, or even just out of the ordinary, he encourages faculty, staff and students to reach out to the Office of Public Safety. You can call the number above, email Lt. Young, or find them in the RC building (the small building by the tennis courts, which usually has police vehicles parked outside).

3. Check your IU Notify settings.

To get voice and text messages about immediate dangers, make sure to sign up for IU Notify and keep it updated it with your current cell phone number and email address.  

IU Notify is mass communication tool used across all IU campuses. You can select your campus, add multiple numbers, and elect if you want voice or text messages or both.

4. The Public Safety team also provides event security and training.

If you’re planning an event on campus, especially if it’s outside typical business hours, make sure to notify Lt. Young so he can ensure adequate event security staff.  He asks for at least two weeks notice because his officers often provide extra help to IU Bloomington for large events like basketball games, when they’re not on shift at IUPUC.

The Public Safety team also offers training. For example, on March 28 they conducted Active Aggressor Training on run-hide-fight protocols for department leaders. They also give general safety training, including how to become better aware of your surroundings.

“We can do stand-alone training, or we’re happy to come and talk to classes, student groups and at faculty/staff meetings,” Lt. Young said. His team also conducts safety training for all new IUPUC students during orientation.

To learn more, visit IUPUC Public Safety, which is part of Protect IU.