The University's Telecommunications Center is linked to Orange County Emergency Communications by a direct telephone line as well as by radio frequencies. This allows immediate and uninterrupted communication between the two centers during events of mutual concern. The Department of Public Safety has both an operations and a support services division. The operations division provides preventive patrols and responds to emergencies 24 hours a day throughout the year. The support services division includes an Investigative Unit and a Crime Prevention Unit.
Police officers investigate all criminal complaints received.
Detailed follow-up investigations are conducted by the Investigations Unit on all serious crimes. Initial information is obtained and recorded. University Police personnel and any other necessary personnel, such as fire and rescue, are contacted and dispatched. Upon the receipt of a criminal complaint or report of emergency, the Department's initial actions are focused on assuring the safety of persons involved in the incident. An officer subsequently interviews available witnesses to obtain information about the incident.