Bridging the Gap

Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell

5.0 (4)
Society & Culture
Updated Monthly

The University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department has created a podcast to better connect with students, employees, and parents to increase understanding of various safety topics and the department's services.

4d ago

Creating a Safer Bearcat Community Together

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell sit down with Daniel Cummins from UC Student Affairs, Officer Nick Furney from UCPD, and Officer Shawn Dent from Cincinnati Police to talk about what it really takes to create a safe, welcoming community for students—both on and off campus. The conversation explores how collaboration between Student Affairs, UCPD, and CPD helps address off-campus concerns, support student accountability, and strengthen trust through relationship-building. From walk-and-talks and community meetings to student engagement and neighborhood partnerships, this episode highlights how safety starts with communication, care, and shared responsibility. It’s an honest discussion about trust, community policing, student conduct, and what it means to work together to support our campus community. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introductions(00:02:02) - Defining a Safe Campus Community(00:05:26) - Handling Off-Campus Student Behavior(00:07:52) - Collaboration Between CPD, UCPD, and Student Affairs(00:09:29) - Accountability and Student Conduct Process(00:12:22) - Building Trust with Students(00:15:37) - Personal Experiences with Police Trust(00:18:35) - Changing the Narrative Around Police(00:20:18) - Future Collaboration and Community Engagement(00:23:29) - History of the Partnership(00:26:14) - Closing Thoughts and Reaching Fraternities/Sororities
Sep 1

UCPD, UC Athletics, and Football Safety

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Darryn and Kelly sit down with AJ Wessel, UC Football’s Assistant General Manager for Personnel, to talk about the strong partnership between UCPD and UC Athletics and what it takes to keep game day safe. From building trust with student-athletes to coordinating security for home and away games, AJ shares how UCPD works closely with the football program behind the scenes—from the team hotel and catwalk to the sidelines and beyond. The conversation also highlights the importance of relationships, education, and showing student-athletes that law enforcement officers are not just there to protect, but also to serve as trusted resources and part of the UC community. It’s a fun, honest look at the teamwork, planning, and family atmosphere that help make Bearcats football season safe and successful. Go Bearcats!
Aug 5

Students Ask, UCPD Answers

In the Season 2 premiere of Bridging the Gap, the script gets flipped as UC Student Government President Wilaini Alicea and Vice President Zohair Siddiqui pose the questions students are really asking about campus safety, UCPD, and what to do when something doesn’t feel right. Joined by Assistant Chief Dudley Smith, and co-hosts Officer Darryn Chenault, and Public Information Officer Kelly Cantwell, this conversation breaks down common questions and misconceptions about UCPD, including when to call, how UCPD works with Cincinnati Police, what resources are available on and off campus, and how students can get help if they feel unsafe. The episode also highlights practical safety tools like the Bearcat Guardian app, blue help phones, victim services, and free resources such as U-locks and steering wheel locks. Whether you're a new student, a returning Bearcat, or just curious about how public safety works at UC, this episode offers a clear, honest look at how UCPD supports the campus community—and why reaching out is always okay.
Jul 1

From Drills to Real Emergencies: How UC Prepares for Fires

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Officer Darryn Chenault and Public Information Officer Kelly Cantwell sit down with UC Fire Inspectors Rob Schrand and Mike Walker to talk about what it really takes to keep the University of Cincinnati safe from fire. Listeners will learn: What UC’s Fire Prevention Unit does across all campuses, including inspecting more than 140 properties, coordinating with Facilities, Emergency Management, and alarm technicians, and working with outside fire departments. The difference between a fire alarm and a fire drill – how UC’s alarm systems work, why drills are required, and what happens behind the scenes when an alarm goes off. Why you should never ignore a fire alarm, even if you think it’s “just a drill” or “probably burnt popcorn,” and how staying in your room puts first responders at risk. Common ways fire alarms and sprinklers are set off in residence halls – from macaroni without water and burnt popcorn to real Christmas trees and hanging clothes (or boom boxes) on sprinkler heads – and how to prevent costly and dangerous flooding. Key safety tips for students and employees, including knowing two exits, recognizing stairwells and exits, locating fire extinguishers, and accessing UC’s online fire extinguisher training and building-specific evacuation procedures. Whether you live in a residence hall, work in an office or lab, or just pass through campus buildings every day, this episode will help you understand your role in fire safety—and why responding to alarms the right way protects not just you, but the entire UC community.
Jun 1

Too Good to Be True: Recognizing Online Scam Red Flags

In this episode, hosts Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell sit down with UCPD Detectives Matt Kackley and Maurice Milton to tackle the growing issue of scams targeting the University of Cincinnati community. From employment and housing scams to threats aimed at international students, the detectives share real stories and practical advice to help students, faculty, and staff protect themselves. The conversation covers red flags to watch for in emails and social media, the dangers of sharing personal information and photos online, and the importance of trusting your instincts. Learn how UC's Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) can help, why it pays to be skeptical, and what to do if something seems too good to be true. Whether you’re new to campus or a seasoned Bearcat, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay safe and scam-savvy. Receive a questionable email? Forward it to abuse@uc.edu.
May 4

Bearcats Prepared: Inside Emergency Management at UC

Former Cincinnati firefighter and current UC emergency management leader Ed Dadosky joins hosts Darren Chenault and Kelly Cantwell to talk about how UC prepares for and manages emergencies of all kinds. Ed walks through how UC coordinates with campus departments and external partners like police, fire, and UC Health; how the Emergency Operations Center supports major events like football games, graduations, and campus protests; and why every building and department needs a solid emergency and business continuity plan. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, or part of the broader Bearcat community, this episode sheds light on the quiet, critical work that keeps UC ready when it matters most. Chapters (00:00:00) - .
Apr 2

Keeping Bearcats Safe: A Conversation with UC Police Chief Eliot Isaac

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, hosts Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell sit down with University of Cincinnati Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Eliot Isaac for an in-depth conversation about leadership, service, and keeping an urban campus safe. With 37 years in law enforcement—including serving as Chief of the Cincinnati Police Department—Chief Isaac reflects on his journey from patrol officer to city chief, and now to leading the University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department. He shares what inspired him to continue serving after retiring from CPD, what makes campus policing unique, and how his deep roots in Cincinnati shape his approach to protecting students, faculty, and staff. The conversation explores the realities of safety at an urban university. Chief Isaac explains how UCPD works closely with CPD through a memorandum of understanding that allows for seamless collaboration and coordinated response in the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Listeners will also hear about proactive safety efforts, community engagement, expanding the university’s footprint in key areas, and the broader scope of public safety—from fire prevention to access control. Above all, Chief Isaac emphasizes a simple but powerful philosophy: be helpful, stay engaged, and always put the community's safety first. Whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or community partner, this episode offers an inside look at how UC is working every day to create a safer, stronger campus community.
Mar 2

Building Trust Through Standards: What Accreditation at the UCPD Means for Our Community

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, UC Public Safety goes inside the world of police accreditation — what it means, why it matters, and how it strengthens trust, transparency, and professionalism. Chief of Staff John DeJarnette joins the conversation alongside Nicole Haberer, UCPD’s Clery Compliance Specialist, to discuss the University of Cincinnati Police Division’s continued commitment to excellence. After earning accreditation through International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) in 2019 and reaccreditation in 2023, UCPD is now pursuing accreditation through the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. From the state level, Ed Burkhammer, Director of Law Enforcement Services with the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and Program Manager Charity Detty-Wingo explain how Ohio built a first-of-its-kind accreditation program designed to remove common barriers like cost, staffing, and access to resources — making high standards attainable for agencies of all sizes. Listeners will hear how accreditation goes beyond “checking a box.” The discussion explores: How outside assessors review policies, facilities, and training Why annual use-of-force analysis drives better officer training The importance of culture in sustaining excellence How accreditation supports officer wellness and accountability What this means for students, parents, faculty, and staff At its core, this episode highlights a shared commitment: ensuring the UC community is served by a police department that actively pursues best practices and continuous improvement. Whether you're a parent sending a student to campus, a member of the UC community, or simply interested in how law enforcement agencies elevate professional standards, this conversation offers an inside look at how UCPD is working to raise the bar — and keep it there.

Trailer

Trailer

Find out what the new podcast from the University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department is all about! Chapters (00:00:00) - Bridging the Gap: UC Public Safety

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Safety First

08/28/2025

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The University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department has created a podcast to better connect with students, employees, and parents to increase understanding of various safety topics and the department's services.

Creator

Darryn Chenault and Kelly Cantwell
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025
Show Website

Bridging the Gap