Programs and Training

Contents

Active Threat Training

We offer comprehensive Active Threat Response Training designed to prepare students, faculty and staff for critical incidents involving armed or violent threats. This interactive program provides practical strategies for recognizing danger, responding decisively and enhancing personal and collective safety in emergency situations. 

Participants will learn: 

  • Situational awareness and threat recognition 

  • Response options based on the “Run, Hide, Fight” model 

  • How to communicate effectively with law enforcement during an incident 

  • What to expect from police response and post-incident procedures 

Training sessions are tailored to the campus environment and led by experienced SFSUPD officers. We encourage all members of our university community to participate and take an active role in campus safety. 

To schedule a training or learn more, please contact the Community Liaison Unit at (415) 810-9230 or updclu@sfsu.edu. 

PDFs (working on) 
 

Citizens' Academy Program

The SFSUPD Citizen’s Academy is a 10-12 week educational program designed to engage members of the campus community in learning about campus law enforcement. Through lectures, hands-on activities, scenario-based training and open dialogue, participants gain insight into police operations, community service and career pathways in public safety.  

Program Objectives

  • Strengthen relationships between UPD and the campus community 

  • Promote transparency and trust in law enforcement 

  • Educate participants on the value of community-police collaboration 

  • Provide access to officers with expertise across law enforcement disciplines 

  • Foster a positive and engaging learning environment 

Note: This program does not certify participants as law enforcement officers and is not a substitute for formal police training. 

Participant Requirements

  • Full participation in all sessions (one absence permitted) 

  • Mandatory attendance at first and final sessions (unless pre-approved) 

  • Adherence to campus policies, Student Code of Conduct, and parking regulations 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older  

Application Details

  • Classes held in-person every Wednesday, 4 – 7 p.m.

  • Duration: 10-12 weeks per semester 

  • Priority given to SFSU students, faculty and staff 

  • All applicants are subject to a background screening 

  • Submission of a completed application by the posted deadline is required 

  • Acceptance is not guaranteed; selected applicants will receive a program packet 

  • Signed liability waivers must be submitted prior to the first session  

Current Session

Fall 2026 Academy  

  • Wednesdays, 4 – 7 p.m.

Community Liaison Unit

The Community Liaison Unit (CLU) at UPD is dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the campus community. Through collaboration with student groups, campus departments, advocacy organizations and local partners, the unit promotes safety through education, engagement and proactive policing initiatives. 

Key services include: 

  • Safety presentations 

  • Community outreach programs 

  • Development of targeted crime prevention strategies based on campus risk assessments 

The unit serves as a vital link between UPD and the diverse communities at SFSU, fostering trust and shared responsibility for campus safety. 

Contact the Community Liaison Unit at (415) 810-9230 or updclu@sfsu.edu. 

Community Presentations

We offer community presentations tailored to meet the unique safety and awareness needs of our campus community. Whether you're part of a student organization, academic department or administrative team, we work with you to develop engaging, informative sessions that reflect your priorities and concerns. 

Presentation topics can include: 

  • Personal safety and situational awareness 

  • Crime prevention strategies 

  • Emergency preparedness and response 

  • Mental health and crisis intervention 

  • Bystander intervention and conflict resolution 

  • Department-specific safety briefings 

Each training is developed in collaboration with campus partners and delivered by experienced SFSUPD personnel. Our goal is to foster open dialogue, build trust, and empower our community through education. 

To schedule a training or learn more, please contact the Community Liaison Unit at (415) 810-9230 or updclu@sfsu.edu. 

De-Escalation Training

SFSUPD offers De-Escalation Training to equip our campus community with practical tools for managing conflict and reducing tension in high-stress situations. This interactive program emphasizes communication strategies, emotional intelligence and situational awareness to help individuals respond effectively and safely when faced with potential confrontation. 

Participants will gain skills in: 

  • Recognizing early warning signs of conflict 

  • Using verbal and non-verbal techniques to defuse tension 

  • Maintaining personal safety while supporting others 

  • Understanding the role of empathy and active listening 

  • Collaborating with law enforcement when needed 

Led by experienced SFSUPD instructors, this training is ideal for students, faculty and staff who want to foster a safer, more respectful campus environment. Sessions are tailored to real-world scenarios and encourage open dialogue and skill-building. 

To schedule a training or learn more, please contact the Community Liaison Unit at (415) 810-9230 or updclu@sfsu.edu. 

Rape Aggression Defense

RAD is a nationally recognized program focused on awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and hands-on defense techniques. SFSUPD proudly offers the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training program to empower members in our campus community with practical self-defense skills and personal safety strategies.

This dynamic course includes: 

  • Realistic self-defense tactics and techniques 

  • Risk awareness and avoidance strategies 

  • Simulation training in a safe, supportive environment 

  • Instruction by certified RAD instructors from SFSUPD 

RAD is designed for individuals of all fitness levels and emphasizes informed decision-making and physical empowerment. Whether you're looking to build confidence or learn how to respond in a threatening situation, RAD provides tools that last a lifetime. 

To schedule a training or learn more, please contact the Community Liaison Unit at (415) 810-9230 or updclu@sfsu.edu.