Inside UCPD: How We Train to Protect the Bearcat Community

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Lt. Rob Gutierrez joins hosts Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell for a candid look inside the training that shapes University of Cincinnati Police Division (UCPD) officers. With nearly 25 years of experience on campus, Lt. Gutierrez breaks down the wide range of required and elective training UCPD officers complete each year—from active threat preparedness and scenario-based exercises to ICAT, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and bias-awareness training. He shares how UCPD balances “hard” and “soft” skills to protect the campus community, why customer-service-focused policing is central to the department’s mission, and how continuous training equips officers to respond with professionalism, empathy, and confidence—especially when supporting students in crisis. Whether you're a student, parent, faculty member, or staff, this episode offers a clear and accessible look at the work happening behind the scenes to keep our campus safe, prepared, and connected.