CWRU Leads in Advancing Policing

Chief Owens has signed the 30x30 Pledge, marking a significant step toward improving the representation and experiences of women in sworn law enforcement roles across all ranks. Case Western Reserve University is proud to be the first college or university in Ohio to commit to this initiative.

As a member of 30x30 CWRU Division of Public Safety is pledging to increase the number of women represented in the police department to 30% by 2030.  We will continue to foster policies and a culture that supports the long term success of women in law enforcement. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we work toward a more inclusive and representative future in policing!

Behind the Badge 
with Police Dispatcher Catlino

What Made You Want to Become a Dispatcher?
I was looking for a career starter after graduating and didn’t know exactly which path I wanted to take. In my family, I’m known as the professional student, always eager to learn more. I saw the dispatcher position as a way to dive deeper into the criminal justice system while working with such an amazing team. I continue to learn every day from the dispatchers, police officers, and security officers at the CWRU Police Department, who all come from such diverse backgrounds.

What’s Your Dream Car?
My dream car would be an all-black Chevrolet Camaro SS—it’s incredibly aesthetically pleasing, and if you get a chance to look it up, you’ll see why!

What’s the Best Concert or Festival You’ve Attended?
The best concert I’ve attended was the 2022 Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas. I went on a girls' trip with my cousins, and it was unforgettable! The festival featured amazing artists like Usher, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Monica, Xscape, Nelly, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Neyo, and Trey Songz. It was one of my first festivals, and even though I didn’t bring a lawn chair, I’d absolutely do it again!

Spring Weather Safety 

Spring weather in Cleveland can bring a mix of severe conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, and thunderstorms. Rapid snowmelt and frequent spring downpours can overwhelm rivers and drainage systems, leading to flash floods. You should stay informed by monitoring weather alerts (download the FEMA app on Google Play or on the Apple App Store to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service) and avoiding flooded roads, as even a few inches of moving water can be dangerous. Severe storms with high winds, hail, and lightning are also common, posing risks of power outages and structural damage. It’s essential to have an emergency plan, secure outdoor objects, and seek shelter indoors during storms. Staying prepared and alert can help minimize risks during the unpredictable spring season.

Fraud Prevention Month

Awareness is your first line of defense against fraud. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and college campuses are prime targets. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

Phishing Emails & Texts
Be cautious of messages that appear to come from CWRU, banks, USPS, toll road authorities, or tech support. Scammers often use email addresses that look legitimate but may be off by just one character. They may even hack real accounts to send fraudulent messages.

A common trick includes fake toll road violation notices or USPS package delivery alerts designed to get you to click malicious links or provide personal information. Always verify toll road notices directly on the official website and check USPS tracking numbers on the official USPS site instead of clicking links in emails or texts. If something seems suspicious, do not provide any personal information and report it immediately.

IRS Tax Fraud
The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media to demand payment or request personal information. If you receive a message claiming to be from the IRS asking for immediate action, it is a scam.

Job & Internship Scams
Be cautious of job offers that promise high pay for minimal work, require upfront fees, or request personal or banking information. Always verify job postings through official university job boards or company websites. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Do not click on unknown links or download attachments from unsolicited emails.
• Verify email addresses and job offers before providing any personal information.
• Report suspicious emails to CWRU IT Security (help@case.edu)

Staying informed and cautious is the best way to avoid falling victim to scams. If you have any doubts, reach out to university resources for guidance.

Meet Our Newest K9s: Millie & Athena!

Thanks to votes from the university community, our two newest K9s now have their names! K9 Officer Chad Hudson’s chocolate lab is officially named Millie, while Crisis Response Clinician Gwen Austin’s black lab is named Athena.

You’ll soon see these adorable pups around campus, spreading tail wags and puppy love. Once they reach the appropriate age, both will undergo K9 therapy training to provide even more support to our campus community. Stay tuned for their journey!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Safety 

This St. Patrick's Day, safety should be your top priority. Make sure to have a reliable plan for getting home, drink responsibly, stick with friends using the buddy system, and keep your phone charged. Don't forget to eat, stay hydrated, and leave valuables behind. Always keep an eye on your drink and trust your instincts.