As a university police agency, we are committed to working with all our stakeholders to maintain a safe environment which supports the academic mission of the University, and the health and wellness of the community. Our department is comprised of law enforcement and civilian professionals who recognize the importance of a guardian-centric approach. In action, this philosophy prioritizes education over enforcement whenever reasonably possible. By collaborating with a variety of university resources, this holistic approach places emphasis on student retention and student success, without compromising safety.

While the department’s primary focus is on safety and security of CSU’s campus, CSUPD maintains close working relationships with all public safety agencies within Larimer County as well as state and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers have full law enforcement authority on all university and state-owned property, as well as the city of Fort Collins and Larimer CountyCRS 16-2.5148 

Training & Certifications

All CSU police officers are state certified through the Colorado Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) board and are commissioned by the CSU Board of Governors. Officers must successfully complete or challenge a POST-approved basic law enforcement academy prior to being appointed. 

Upon successful completion of the academy, all new CSUPD officers complete an additional 280 hours of in-service training prior to working in the field, followed by least 600 hours of one-on-one field training with experienced officers. Officers must successfully complete a one-year probationary period. 

The Colorado POST board requires all officers to complete at least 24 hours of ongoing training during each calendar year, including 12 hours in the areas of perishable skills (arrest control, driving and firearms). CSUPD officers exceed this standard by completing approximately 80 hours of scheduled in-service training per year, with several officers completing over 200 hours annually, depending on assignment.  

In order to serve our whole community ongoing training topics include, but are not limited to fair & impartial policing, crisis management and de-escalation, constitutional law, American Red Cross CPR/AED, emergency trauma care, active assailant response, emergency vehicle operation, community problem solving, serving at-risk populations, Clery Act, family violence, crime scene investigation, accident reconstruction, site assessment, leadership, and many others.  

A Message from Chief Callaghan

Colorado State University Police Department would like to welcome all of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to Colorado State University, and introduce you to our police department.

As guardians, we have the responsibility of protecting Colorado’s future, and we strive to do this every day with the highest degree of professionalism. As peace officers, our guardian-centric philosophy focuses on student retention and success while prioritizing the safety of our CSU community.

We are committed to building positive relationships that are consistent with our principles of community and the academic mission of CSU. Our efforts will focus on identifying and implementing solutions for improving the quality of life for all of our CSU community in a respectful and compassionate manner.

We will consistently look for opportunities that allow us to improve professionally and personally as it relates to campus policing with an understanding of the importance of listening to our students, faculty, staff, and community members in order to meet their expectations that are of the highest quality in safety standards. Our committed efforts will result in improved awareness and preparedness as it relates to campus safety through the implementation of safe campus initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and increasing professional development opportunities for our employees.

Please visit the university’s website at www.colostate.edu.edu and click on police department under the ‘about tab’ to obtain more information on the Colorado State University Police Department, and our mission, vision, and values to protect and serve our university community.

I am Chief Jay Callaghan, and this has been a message from the Colorado State University Police Department. We are proud to serve our university community and do our part in – “rams taking care of rams.”