Since the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester, Auburn University has increased daytime security. Students can expect to see more security staff patrolling campus and enforcing university policies.
The security personnel can be identified by bright orange caps and polos. The polos also have insignia denoting them as part of the Department Campus Safety and Security. Security staff will patrol campus and campus buildings on foot or in golf carts.
The new daytime security patrols act as “the front door to Auburn,” according to Ashley Gann, the public information officer for the Department of Campus Safety and Security. Anyone on campus can approach security with any questions or concerns.
“They are trained to be very warm, and in my opinion, they really capture the culture of Auburn,” Gann said. “They’re really a great introduction to the university.”
The security team will also engage with leadership in the colleges. Those with questions or concerns about their building or area can reach out to Campus Safety and Security, who will explain the security plan.
The increase in security is a part of the university’s ongoing strategic plan, according to Gann. Gann emphasized that the move was not related to any incidents and was meant to “foster a spirit of safety on campus."
If a student is caught violating a university policy, security staff will remind violators of the policy and ask them to stop, according to Gann. If the behavior is suspicious, then security will call the police department.
“My hope is that people would listen if it’s a rule,” Gann said. “My question to that would be: why would they not obey?"
Gann said that she could not speak on the specifics of what security would do if a person refused to listen or became combative, since she is not their supervisor. However, she said that the staff receives extensive training with the goal of avoiding and de-escalating combative situations.
“I do hope that if students are confronted by one of our security staff, it’s done in a way that’s received well,” Gann said. “The individuals we have on our daytime security team right now really are the epitome of the Auburn spirit.”
Both the Student Government Association and the Department of Campus Safety and Security were heavily involved in the project. According to SGA President Owen Beaverstock, the project began after SGA elections and received university funding during the fall semester.
“We were making our goals, and a pretty clear priority for us at the beginning of our term was trying to find ways to just make Auburn’s campus safer,” Beaverstock said. "Not saying we don’t have a safe campus. We have an incredibly safe campus, but finding ways to increase it is a huge priority and something we want to be at the center of every decision we make.”
Beaverstock said that student feedback and the SGA’s partnership with Campus Safety and Security were important to the initiative. According to Beaverstock, safety was a big emphasis during campaigns and conversations with students and student groups.
The department did not disclose the number of security personnel, citing the need to maintain effective safety operations. According to Beaverstock, there are currently no plans to expand the daytime patrol. However, if the initiative is successful, then they may increase personnel.
The Auburn Police Department will continue working with the university to patrol campus and enforce laws.
Students can reach out to campusafety@auburn.edu or call 334-844-8888 for more information or to give tips.
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