We’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into campus safety and technology on this episode of Bridging the Gap. Hosts Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell are joined by Kawanda Dedrick-Thomas, Director of Technical Operations for Public Safety IT, and Noah Rezene, Project Coordinator, to break down how cameras, access control, and digital infrastructure help keep the university community safe.

From how camera locations are selected using crime data, to what DTS (Digital Technology Solutions) actually does, to the role of AI-powered analytics, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the systems working behind the scenes every day. The team discusses partnerships with public safety, coordination across campus units, privacy considerations, camera maintenance, and why cameras are about deterrence and safety—not surveillance.

Whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or just curious about how modern campus security works, this episode offers an insightful and approachable look at the teamwork and technology protecting the community.

• (00:00:00) - Happy New Year with Public Safety Personnel
• (00:00:47) - Projects and Operations, Technical Operations
• (00:02:24) - DTS and Public Safety: How Do They Work Together?
• (00:04:47) - Deciding where to place a camera on campus
• (00:07:09) - How Do You Manage UCPD's Security Cameras?
• (00:10:03) - How Can Crime Scene Cameras Help UC Police?
• (00:13:15) - Public Safety: Security Cameras on Campus
• (00:17:47) - Facial Recognition on Security Cameras

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.

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Officer Darryn Chenault and Public Information Officer Kelly Cantwell sit down with Lieutenant Jennifer McMahon and Crime Analyst Rachel Kleindorfer from the University of Cincinnati Police Division to talk about burglary prevention on and around campus.

They break down recent trends, common mistakes students make, and simple, effective ways to protect your belongings—whether you live in a residence hall or off campus. From locking windows and keeping your information private online to using cameras and staying aware of your surroundings, this episode is packed with practical advice every Bearcat should know before heading home for break.

Tune in to learn how UCPD works to keep the UC community safe—and what you can do to help.

We're back for part two of our conversation with the UC Police Division's Community Engagement Unit and UC parent Heather Tenney to discuss common questions parents have about safety on and around campus.

Join us for the first episode of Bridging the Gap, a new podcast from the University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department. In this episode the hosts of Bridging the Gap, Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell, sit down with the UC Police Division's Community Engagement Unit and UC parent Heather Tenney to discuss common questions parents have about safety on and around campus. This is part one of our conversation, part two will be released at the beginning of October.

• (00:00:00) - Bridging the Gap
• (00:04:50) - Safety on and off the UC campus
• (00:09:07) - Car Break-ins, Guns
• (00:11:02) - Do Dash Cams Help With Auto Theft?
• (00:13:55) - Bearcat Guardian: How to Walk Home at Night
• (00:18:49) - UC Police: On-Campus Crime
• (00:24:18) - Crime Reduction on the University of Cincinnati Campus

Find out what the new podcast from the University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department is all about!

• (00:00:00) - Bridging the Gap: UC Public Safety