
Auraria Campus Police Chief Michael Phibbs encourages students to “Text a Tip” so officers may receive information sooner. [Photo: Sara Hertwig]
And a part of this, is due to Auraria’s centralized location between Auraria Parkway, Spear Boulevard and Colfax Avenue. When students were told about this, their responses were mostly understanding.
“That doesn’t surprise us at all,” said Auraria student Elizabeth Henderson.
Another student, Liesl Jensen added, “There are a lot of external events on campus, so there are people on campus that are not a part of it anyway.”

The Auraria community relies on its blue light emergency telephones found in parking lots and classrooms. There are 75 poles in Auraria lots. [Photo: Autumn Schwinn]
“Most of our population on campus here are really good at texting and electronic devices,” Phibbs said. “In fact, I would say most people on the campus are more comfortable with texting communication then they are with speaking.”
The Auraria police are taking advantage of that by allowing witnesses to report something via text. They do this all in hopes to make the Metropolitan campus community more aware and give attendants a better experience.
Chief Phibbs’ advice to students, staff and faculity:
- Lock up your belongings and use a U lock on bikes. A good amount of theft is done not by breaking in but by students forgetting to lock cars or leaving things unattended.
- Mind your stuff. Don’t just leave your phone charging outside of class alone. Bring a portable charger or wait to plug it in when you can keep an eye on it.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stop walking across the street and texting. Don’t zone out with your headphones and electronics. If you’re going to listen to music, keep on earbud out so you still know what is going on around you.
- If you see a problem, let the police know with “Text a Tip” at 720-593-8477 or call them and talk in person at 303-556-5000.
By Autumn Schwinn
Posted Sat, Sep 14, 2019