Inside Public Safety

Brian Donnelly Retires After 40-years of Service

February 27, 2024

Public Safety sends farewell wishes to Lieutenant Brian Donnelly on his recent retirement from the Yale Police Department (YPD).

A 40-year law enforcement veteran, Donnelly started his career at the FBI, where he worked for five years before accepting a position as a police...

George Hines Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

February 23, 2024

Athletic Director, Joe Morrell; George Hines; Assistant Athletic Director, Michael Anquilare

The cliché that “good things happen to those who wait” applies to George Hines’s remarkable journey, culminating in his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame 39 years after graduating from West...

Sharon McLaurin new Director Security for Yale Public Safety

February 19, 2024

We are pleased to welcome Sharon McLaurin as the new Director of Security.

Reporting to Duane Lovello, Sharon will be responsible for the administration of security operations and fostering and maintaining organizational growth and development, keeping Yale Security at the...

Yale Police Hosts Swearing-in Ceremony and Promotes First Female Assistant Chief

January 31, 2024

On Jan. 12, the Yale University Police Department swore in Rose Dell ’97, formerly a captain with the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), as assistant chief of patrol operations, making her the first woman to hold the position in the department’s long history.

The department also...

Public Safety Deployed Largest Security Presence at Yale-Harvard Game

January 31, 2024

Yale Public Safety deployed an unprecedented security presence at the recent Yale-Harvard game (The Game).

Several factors contributed to the proactive decision to increase security.

George Hines, director of emergency management, emphasized the considerations that went into...

Systems and Services Hosts Annual Chili Cook-off

January 31, 2024

The aroma of simmering chili filled the room at Public Safety’s Systems & Services chili cook-off.

Started in 2012, the annual event provides an opportunity for team building, and to collect unwrapped toys to donate to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.

“The chili...

Rose Dell Shares Her Path to Becoming the First Female Assistant Chief

January 30, 2024

Rose Dell ’97 didn’t set a goal to become the first female assistant chief at Yale Police. She said she would have laughed if someone told her she would one day wear a police uniform.

In her remarks following her swearing-in as assistant chief, Dell said her “why” is what led to a...

Father and Son’s Career Paths Woven Together on Yale University’s Campus

December 20, 2023

Behind every person is a story. For Officer Joseph Funaro, it’s his father, Joseph Funaro, Sr’s love of art and how his artistic gift is prominently displayed on Yale University’s campus.

Funaro said his father decided not to join the family business and follow his passion for art. He...

Yale Police Officer Tristan Kiekel Wraps up Assignment at New Haven Animal Shelter

December 11, 2023

Yale Police Officer Tristan Kiekel recently completed an eight-month assignment at the New Haven Animal Shelter doing what she enjoys most: caring for animals.

Kiekel was assigned to the New Haven Animal Shelter in March when the Yale Police Department (YPD) expanded its ongoing...

Narcisse Selects Final Winners for Linda Lorimer Awards

November 22, 2023

Assistant Chief of Police Von Narcisse wraps up his two-year tenure on the selection committee for the Linda Lorimer Award for Distinguished Service.

Narcisse shares what participating on the nine-member committee has meant to him and his exposure to the amazing talent on Yale’s campus...

Yale Police Officers Extend a Helping Hand to NHPD PAL Program

November 22, 2023

Yale Police Officer Matthew Franco and Sargeant Aaron Zainc joined forces with the New Haven Police Department (NHPD) Police Activities League (PAL), passionately supporting the nonprofit organization that provides activities to kids ages 8-17.

Detective Cordero, New...

Honoring Public Safety Veterans

November 10, 2023

In observance of Veterans Day, Yale Public Safety spotlights its employees who are veterans. Our veterans stand as guardians, defenders, and everyday heroes. Their experiences, sacrifices, and dedication are what we honor today. Take a moment to read their extraordinary stories.

...

ICAT Train-the-Trainer Comes to Yale

November 2, 2023

Lieutenant Chris Halstead and Sergeant Aaron Zainc participated in the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) Train-the-Trainer workshop.

The one-and-a-half-day hands-on training included an innovative, evidence-based approach to use-of-force training. The police...

ID Center Runs Efficiently to Accommodate Incoming Students

November 2, 2023

Like most offices on campus, the ID Center prepares for incoming students before the current academic school year ends.

Starting in March, the process for preparing ID cards in advance of the students’ arrival includes removing previous semesters’ data from the upload web system and...

Officer Gabrielle Cotto Receives Life Saving Award

November 2, 2023

Yale Police Officer Gabrielle Cotto, along with three officers from Protective Services at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), received the prestigious Life Saving Award on Oct. 20. The ceremony, facilitated by Nicholas Proto, director of the Department of Protective Services, recognized officers...

Fit-for-Purpose Model Expands to Include Yale Emergency Medical Services

November 2, 2023

Yale Public Safety expands its differential response system to collaborate with Yale Emergency Medical Services (YEMS...

The Story Behind Heidi

November 2, 2023

Yale Police Department hosted a rare behind-the-scenes event that detailed how Heidi, Yale Police’s facility dog, and other service and facility dogs were trained by incarcerated individuals at the Green Haven correctional facility in New York.

Puppies Behind Bars President and...

New Blue Phones Installed on Campus

November 2, 2023

Yale University’s campus is receiving a subtle but essential facelift. New and improved blue phones are being installed across campus.

The cellular-based phones include public address capabilities that will provide an enhanced mass notification platform to notify the campus...

Heidi Receives Recognition from State of Connecticut

November 1, 2023

The lawn between the Yale Police Department and Yale Health was filled with thousands of people attending the Yale Health and Yale Public Safety event featuring Heidi.

Facility and comfort dogs from as far as Lehigh University in Pennsylvania were on hand to join Heidi in spreading joy...

Message from Chief Anthony Campbell

October 13, 2023

Many members of the Yale community have let us know in recent days that they are concerned about their safety on campus. I have been in contact with the FBI and other agencies, and they are unaware of any credible threat against Yale University or any members of the Yale community.

I...

In Memoriam – Harry DeBenedet, retired lieutenant from Yale Police, dies at 76

October 3, 2023

Harry DeBenedet, who joined the Yale Police Department (YPD) in 1990, was instrumental in starting the YPD Bomb Squad and retired in 2010 as lieutenant, passed away on Sept. 25.

DeBenedet served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam era. He was a graduate of North Haven High School, attended...

YPD Serving in the Community

September 18, 2023

Yale Police officers are committed to giving back to the communities in which they live and work. The Yale Police Department supported several organizations and community events this summer.

So Long to Public Safety Interns

September 12, 2023

Daniel Trastsianka, Diego Rosete, Shayla Correa, Olivia Vega Public Safety says farewell to Shayla Correa, Diego Rosete, Daniel Trastsianka, and Olivia Vega.

Correa and Vega worked for Yale Police studying crimes committed by juveniles; Rosete worked in Emergency Management creating...

Officers Ride to September 11 Crash Sites to Honor the Lives Lost

September 8, 2023

Sergeant Michael Dominique and Officer Roberto Arango joined other police departments across the country to provide motorcycle escort service to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Hosted by America’s 911 Foundation, 35 departments and 87 police motor officers participated in this...

YPD Officer Brings Laughs to Audiences

August 23, 2023

Officer Glenn Wittig may not have superhuman strength like Superman, but he protects and serves by day and brings smiles to audiences at night.

Wittig who joined the Yale Police Department 16 years ago, didn’t set out to be a comedian. He always enjoyed making people laugh and watching...

High School Students Get Inside Look into Law Enforcement and the FBI

August 1, 2023

Connecticut high school students interested in law enforcement and the FBI participated in the annual Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) program.

Brian Harte, FBI - New Haven Branch. “FLEYA was created to ensure diversity in law enforcement and to introduce students to all...

Kindra Graham Graduates From Emerge at Yale

July 25, 2023

For Kindra Graham, wishes do come true. She heard about Emerge at Yale in a meeting and said to herself, “this is what I need.” Months later, Graham and 22 early-to-middle-career staff members are the second cohort to graduate from the leadership initiative.

Graham, who has worked as a...

Officers Participate in Torch Run for Special Olympics

July 3, 2023

Pictured (L to R) Erik St. Germain, Karl Rodriguez-Perez, Frank DeCresenzo. Officers Erik St. Germain, Karl Rodriguez-Perez, and Lt. Frank DeCrescenzo ran in the New Haven leg of the three-day, 12-leg race to raise awareness for those with intellectual disabilities of all ages. Officers Roberto...

Protecting a Time-Honored Tradition

May 30, 2023

Lieutenant Jay Jones has worked every baccalaureate, class day, and commencement since he started working for the Yale Police Department (YPD) more than 30 years ago.

This year, Jones was in charge of police operations, where he controlled vehicle traffic at intersections and pedestrian...

Ronnell Higgins Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

May 30, 2023

Ronnell Higgins, associate vice president of public safety and community engagement, recently received the 2023 Henry C. Lee College Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of New Haven for his contributions to criminal justice and policing.

It’s an absolute honor to receive...

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