Accomplishments of the California State University, Northridge Police Department
2003
• Increased officer visibility with multi-dimensional patrol; established motorcycle and bicycle patrol
• Full-time crime prevention unit established
• Investigations Unit expanded service to include non-criminal investigations and expanded training for professional certifications
• Formal MOU created with the California Highway Patrol
• Parking enforcement officer skills were enhanced with training in traffic direction and control and given towing authorization
2004
• A two-officer Community Policing Team was created and permanently established in campus housing with the task of being part of the fabric of that community with a problem-solving approach
• Formal partnership with LAUSD Police as the Northridge Academy High School was erected on the CSUN campus
• Formal MOU with the Los Angeles Police Department
• Deployment of a Mobile Command Trailer outfitted with emergency communications equipment
• CSUN DPS becomes the first university police department in California to sponsor train-the-trainer for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Training
• 24/7 parking enforcement established
2005
• Establishment of the K9 Unit
• Full-time emergency preparedness coordinator added and formal emergency management program is framed
• CSUN DPS becomes one of several “pilot” programs for IACLEA’s new Law Enforcement Accreditation Program
2006
• Addition of rape crisis advocate service in partnership with then Valley Trauma Center, now Strength United
• Specialized training with select staff on the formal process of threat assessment using Secret Service methodology
2007
• Formalization of a Threat Assessment Unit
• Upgrades to mass emergency broadcast notification system, Blackboard Connect, and the campus carillon
• Target Corporation bestows $8,000 grant for sexual assault education materials
2008
• Department conducts first multi-agency active shooter drill and invites LAPD and LAUSD
2009
• Technology advancements include facial recognition booking, mobile fingerprint scanner, and Interpretype wireless communication devices for use with our deaf community
2010
• Rollout of license plate recognition (LPR) program on police, motor, and parking fleet
2011
• Online parking permit purchase made available through Permit Direct
2012
• Launch of online crime reporting system
• Debut of child safety seat installation service for the greater community
• Grant award of $2,500 from Graffiti Hurts to combat graffiti
• Major improvement to police intermediate force options with 40 mm launcher and training – first and only department in the CSU system to have this capability at the time
2013
• Infrastructure created for electric vehicle charging stations on campus
2014
• Addition of night watch Lieutenant
• DART (Direct Action Response Team) created
• Creation of DPS mobile app
• First phase of campus CCTV system adds 150 cameras to campus parking lots and Oviatt library green space
• 18% increase in campus crime prevention education
• Collaboration between Investigations’ Special Crimes Unit and campus Equity & Diversity to deal with a 110% increase in case load involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, Title IX and VAWA compliance
• Parking & Transportation changed over to wireless ticket writers
2015
• Overall of FTO program brings change in philosophy, re-creation of the Field Training manual, and new FTOs trained in new philosophy
2016
• Active shooter student training film “Active Shooter and the Survival Mindset” created in partnership with the Department of Cinema and Television Arts and the University Corporation
• FEMA annual recognition award bestowed to emergency manager Jenny Novak for innovative Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Program for CSUN students
• Designated Marksman team developed for high profile events in the wake of continuing tragedies around the country with active shooter situations
• In partnership with CSUN IT, emergency desktop override notification system, Alertus, is implemented
2017
• VAPOR Wake K9 capability introduced to CSUN
• Implemented body worn cameras for police for officer safety and transparency
• Text-to-911 technology upgrade fulfills longtime need/wish of the campus’ deaf and hard-of-hearing population
• Internet purchase exchange parking created for student and community safety when making social media contacts
2018
• Added 10 new panoramic cameras (VPAC, Sierra Hall x 3, Black House, Baseball Field, Softball Field, Chicano, Rain Forest, Spirit Plaza)
• Expanded EOC section-specific training and conducted full-scale EOC exercise
• Transitioned to a new Police Operations command staff position and a new Chief of Police
2019
• New Crime Analyst position added
• Implemented the Active Shooter Survival Escape Training (ASSERT) training for the campus community. This training consists of classroom presentation, scenarios, and site assessments.
• Added EOC Incident Command Post interface training
2020
• Started CCTV conversion to panoramic cameras expanding coverage into the G-6 parking structure, University Student Union, Plaza Del Sol. Absorbed existing CCTV in the Presidents Executive Suite and Information Technology in Sequoia Hall.
• Cal OES & LARICS for new Interoperable Radio System Grant received
• Gunshot Detection system implemented in the University Library
• COVID-19 Vaccination site partnership with LA County Department of Health and LA County Fire Department
2021
• New CCTV cameras at Reseda Annex and in the new G6 parking structure
• Coordination of traffic plan and security for first ever CARmmencement in the fall to celebrate graduates during the COVID pandemic
• Stop RIPA training and implementation
• Creation of policy, training, and onboarding plan for recruitment of new contingent of Community Service Specialists
• Expanded additional use of CCTV cameras in the University Student Union
• Interoperable Radio System installed in dispatch, vehicles and issued handhelds to officers/staff
• New G6 parking structure added 1,600 parking spaces
• Started the implementation of a virtual parking permit system with License Plate Recognition software
Looking ahead in 2022:
• Expansion of Gunshot Detection System to the campus core
• Upgrading mobile data terminals in patrol cars
• Testing computer panic alarm system for potential upgrade of outdated system
• Upgrade Blue-Check device that identifies individuals in the field via fingerprints record
• Creation and implementation of Mental Health Response Team
• Implementation of civilian Community Service Specialist in Housing to provide security and community outreach
• Implementation of selected recommendations of DEI report presented to CSUN President
• Preparing for search and selection of new Chief of Police