Supporting Safety and Free Expression

What was your role as a student employee?

I was a community service officer. That included providing safety escorts and working special events so in many ways, I’ve come full circle with my current role.

What are the main responsibilities of your new position?

As the Special Events and Community Programs Lieutenant I oversee the Triton safety official (TSO) program, university safety officials, community service officers and our training and accreditation unit. Right now, my primary focus is building the Triton safety official program, since it’s brand new.

What are Triton Safety Officials?

TSOs are UC San Diego employees trained by the police department to help provide safety and security at campus events and on campus property. They’re part of a tiered response model, meaning that policy violations or minor issues can often be addressed without immediately involving sworn police officers.

Because TSOs are UC San Diego employees, they’ll be familiar with campus life, culture, policies and locations. They also have a direct link to contact police dispatch and officers if needed, which can cut down on delays that can happen when using outside security vendors.

What are the goals for the program?

The main goal is to fulfill the campus mission of providing appropriate, proportional responses to situations. TSOs add an important layer that will allow many situations to be resolved safely without escalating to a police response.

Will TSOs replace outside vendors for event security?

For smaller events, they likely will. For larger events, it will probably be a hybrid model for some time, with TSOs working alongside community service officers, police officers and third‑party security as appropriate.

Do you expect the TSO team to grow?

Yes, that’s definitely the hope. We’ve expanded other programs in the past, like community service officers, as campus needs evolved. I see this following a similar path. We’re currently in the process of hiring four full‑time TSOs. We hope to have the TSO program up and running by spring quarter, with additional part‑time staff hired through Temporary Employment Services to support larger events.

How does your team work with campus partners before, during and after events?

Before events, we meet with event organizers and facility managers to discuss staffing levels and develop a plan. During events, we stay in close communication to ensure needs are being met and attendees are safe. Afterward, we often hold debriefs to identify improvements for future events. For expressive activities, we also work closely with student affairs, community specialist teams and Supporting Advocacy & Free Expression (SAFE) staff who are trained in de‑escalation.

How does this role support free expression on campus? 

TSOs can play an important role educating  students, staff, faculty and visitors to understand free expression rights and responsibilities. During quieter periods, like academic breaks, TSOs can focus on outreach and education around expressive activity policies and expectations.

What are the biggest challenges you anticipate?

Like all law enforcement work, we have to plan and train for the unknown, everything from natural disasters to potential threats. We can’t assume something won’t happen here. The challenge is providing the safest possible environment, preventing incidents when we can and mitigating impacts when we can’t.

What can students, faculty and staff do to help keep events safe?

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Know the rules and prohibited items before attending events. Understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to free expression. If you see something suspicious, whether it’s an object or behavior, say something.

What do you want the campus community to know about this position and the new program?

Safety and security are a partnership. Early communication is critical. The sooner we know about an event or activity, the better we can help determine appropriate and cost‑effective security needs. We also encourage event organizers to contact us directly at pd-events@ucsd.edu with questions or to discuss security resources, especially if they’re unsure what’s needed.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m excited about the response we’ve already seen. Groups across campus, from event organizers to libraries, have reached out with interest. I think this team will be versatile and meet a wide range of campus needs.