Safety Programs

  • A car speeds through a campus crosswalk as pedestrians approach. Text reads 'Slow the fast down' encouraging shared road use.
  • A woman rides a bike wearing a helmet. Text reads 'Buckle-up your brain' to promote helmet use.
  • Two students smiling as they cross at a marked crosswalk. Text reads 'Take safety in stride'.
  • An electric scooter parked inside a dorm. Text reads 'The best place to park your scooter'.
  • A student rides a bike wearing a Cal Poly sweatshirt and helmet. Text reads 'Cal Poly rolls on human energy'.
  • Close-up of a stop sign with trees in the background. Text reads 'Stop signs are inclusive'.
  • A student crossing the street while looking down at a phone. Text reads 'Don’t stroll and scroll'.
  • Campus safety officers walk alongside a student on a campus path. Text reads 'You're not alone'.
  • A Mustang Shuttle bus approaches on a sunny day. Text reads 'Next stop, safety'.

Improving Personal Safety

Historically, the Cal Poly campus and the City of San Luis Obispo have been safe environments for the campus community. However, incidents affecting personal safety do occur.

The University Police Department recommends visiting the Crime Prevention webpage for personal tips, theft & crime prevention information.

Safety App - Mustang Safe

Your up before the cows safety companion - Mustang SafeActive members of the Cal Poly community can download the free Mustang Safe app and turn their smartphone into a personal safety device. With just a few touches Mustang Safe puts you in instant contact with campus safety services, sends your real-time location to CPPD during an emergency, offers virtual Friend Walks and so much more. The app also provides users with information and contacts for local support resources and crisis services such as counseling, health and wellbeing options and intimate partner violence assistance.

Find out more at Cal Poly Police Safety Programs

PolyAlert Campus Emergency Notification System

PolyAlert is Cal Poly’s Emergency Notification System, and the primary tool for delivering critical emergency information to help ensure the safety of our community. PolyAlert can distribute emergency notifications through email, SMS text, and voice. Cal Poly email addresses are automatically enrolled in the PolyAlert system, but we highly encourage anyone with a Cal Poly Portal account to register their cell phone number to receive emergency alerts via text message, as this will allow community members to rapidly receive any emergency information. Cal Poly students, faculty, staff, and auxiliary employees may register up to two phone numbers with the system on the “Personal Info” tab on your Portal Page.

Mustang Shuttle

The Mustang Shuttle provides free, safe transportation around campus for students, faculty, and staff. The service operates during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters with both daytime and nighttime routes.

Riders must show their Cal Poly ID when boarding. The shuttle service is ADA friendly and includes real-time tracking through the Mustang Shuttle app.

View Mustang Shuttle Details

Mustang Patrol

Student being walked around on campus

On campus late? Students, faculty and staff can call Cal Poly Police and request Mustang Patrol meet and walk with you to any on-campus destination or your vehicle parked un a campus lot.

Mustang Patrol Hours of Operation

  • Sunday-Thursday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Call Cal Poly Police Dispatch at 805-756-2281 to request a safety walk

Property Registration

Cal Poly Police Department offers a Bicycle & Property registration program. Please follow the link or call 805-756-6654 for more information.