By Sgt. James David with Matt Bertram
Hello and welcome to Carolina. My name is Sergeant James David, and I serve with the UNC Police Department here at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a proud Carolina alum, I’m especially excited to welcome you to this incredible campus and community. You’re beginning a journey that will challenge and reward you in countless ways, and I want you to know that your safety is our number one priority. At UNC Police, we believe in two things above all else when it comes to keeping our campus safe: communication and empowerment. Our goal is to make sure every student knows how to access the safety tools and support systems that are available to them from the very first day.
One of the most important things you should know is that we operate a dedicated 911 Emergency Communications Center right here on campus. That means if you ever call 911 from your cell phone or from any campus phone while you’re on university grounds, the call goes directly to trained UNC Police telecommunicators who are familiar with the campus layout and can dispatch help quickly and effectively. This campus-specific 911 center is a critical first line of communication and ensures a faster and more informed emergency response.
Another major resource I encourage you to take advantage of is the Carolina Ready Safety App. This mobile app brings a wide range of safety tools right to your fingertips. You can report suspicious activity, receive emergency notifications, and access support services all from your phone. It also connects you directly with our SafeWalk program, which is run by pairs of trained UNC students who can accompany you anywhere on campus or even into the nearby Chapel Hill area if you’re walking late at night. Whether you’re leaving the library, a study group, or a social event, SafeWalk is a smart and supportive way to get home safely.
When it comes to your residence hall, security is a top priority. All of our on-campus housing buildings are access-controlled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means the exterior doors are locked at all times, and entry is only granted through an electronic key fob issued to each resident. Only those who live in the building or who are approved staff members such as Resident Advisors, Community Directors, and UNC Police personnel can enter. This system helps protect your personal space and ensures that only those with a legitimate reason to be there can access the building.
As you walk around campus, you may notice security cameras installed in various locations, especially inside residence halls and public spaces. These cameras are not there to monitor your day-to-day life but are instead intended to give our department an extra set of eyes in case we ever need to review footage as part of an investigation. Their presence helps support the overall safety of our community and can serve as a valuable tool when something needs to be looked into further.
You’ll also see emergency blue light call boxes located across campus, often near residence halls and academic buildings. These tall poles have an emergency button and an intercom system that connects you directly to our UNC 911 Center. Once activated, one of our telecommunicators will speak with you through the intercom while dispatching an officer to your exact location to assist with whatever situation you may be experiencing. These call boxes are always available and offer another way for you to quickly get help if needed.
At the UNC Police Department, we view every student as part of our community. We are here not just to respond in emergencies but to build relationships, offer guidance, and ensure that you feel supported throughout your time at Carolina. This is a place where you will grow academically, personally, and socially, and we want you to feel confident every step of the way. If you ever have a question, concern, or simply want to learn more about how we serve the campus, please do not hesitate to reach out. You are never alone here. We’re proud to be part of your Carolina experience, and we’re honored to help keep you safe.
Welcome to the Tar Heel community. I know you’re going to make the most of your time here, and I’m glad you’re with us.
– Sgt. James David UNC Police Department