The Housing/Special Operations Division, under the leadership of Lieutenant Steven Gladden is responsible for providing proactive police services, crime prevention initiatives, and specialized law enforcement operations throughout the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The division is committed to enhancing campus safety through high-visibility patrols, community engagement and specialized enforcement strategies.
This unit reports to Deputy Chief Amy C. Schreiner.
Lieutenant Steven Gladden
(205)996-0871
Housing Operations
Housing officers provide dedicated patrols within UAB's residence halls, parking facilities, and surrounding residential areas while responding to criminal incidents, emergencies and service calls. The division continues the department's long-standing community policing philosophy established with the creation of the Student Housing Police Precinct on October 1, 1998.
Housing officers work closely with Student Housing and Residence Life staff, Resident Assistants and student organizations to identify and resolve safety concerns before they become larger issues. Officers regularly participate in residence hall programming and provide educational presentations on topics including personal safety, crime prevention, active threat awareness, alcohol and drug education, holiday safety and sexual assault prevention.
The Housing Unit also partners with the department's Crime Prevention personnel to promote a safe and welcoming residential community for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Special Operations
The Special Operations Division oversees several specialized programs that enhance the department's operational readiness and public safety capabilities. These include:
- Proactive Area Crime Team (PACT)
- K-9 Unit
- Drone (UAS) Program
- Honor Guard
- ShotSpotter Operations
- Live View Trailer Program
- Student Housing Operations
- Special Event Planning and Coordination
- Department Overtime Administration
Special Operations officers utilize a variety of patrol methods including foot patrol, police mountain bikes, motorcycles and specialized vehicles to provide high visible enforcement throughout campus. Officers conduct directed patrols, traffic enforcement, special event security and crime suppression operations while maintaining strong relationships with the university community.
The division also manages specialized technology and equipment to support investigations, emergency response and campus safety initiatives.
Through proactive policing, community partnerships and specialized training, the Housing/Special Operations Division remains dedicated to providing a safe learning, working and living environment for the entire UAB community.
Sergeant Alexandra Spear is the front-line Supervisor of the Housing/Special Operations Division
(205) 975-0562
Crime Prevention
The Crime Prevention Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of all crime prevention programs involving the UAB community. The crime prevention specialist coordinates proactive crime prevention seminars and conferences; provides resource information to the UAB community and multicultural educational programs for international students; represents the police department at university wide programs including, but not limited to orientation, recruitment and scholarship days; and local and state crime prevention programs. This position oversees the department's Campus Watch Program and informs new students and employees at orientation about available services by the department.
This unit reports to the Housing/Special Operations Unit Commander. For questions or comments, contact:
Corporal Kimani George
Crime Prevention Specialist
(205) 934-2409