Meet Our Teams

Deputy Chief Joe Samels

Deputy Chief Joe Samels has been with the Department of Campus Safety since March, 2025.  Prior to arriving at DU, Deputy Chief Samels spent 20 years with the Metropolitan Police in Washington, DC and 5 years with the Takoma Park (MD) Police.

Deputy Chief Samels earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Management with a specialization in Criminal Justice Management, also from the University of Maryland.

Deputy Chief Samels is a member of the training cadre for the National Tactical Officers Association and trains SWAT teams in tactical response, and trains police leaders in critical incident management.

When he is not working, Deputy Chief Samels enjoys working out and staying fit, is a rabid Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Steelers fan and makes legendary chicken wings.

Operations Division

Our Patrol Operations duties include, but are not limited to, receiving and answering calls for assistance, information dissemination, proactive patrols of the campus, safety walks, special event staffing and direction to external services.

• Captain Doug Hasty

  Captain Doug Hasty has been with the University of Denver for 25 years.  Prior to coming to DU Doug worked in Law Enforcement in New Mexico for a City Police Department and Sheriff’s Department.

  During Doug’s time at DU he has been involved with the community as a self-defense Instructor.  Doug has risen through the ranks of the Department by starting as a Campus Safety Officer, Corporal, Sr. Sergeant, Lieutenant and currently is the Captain over Patrol, Communications, and Investigations.

  His journey through the University has given him a unique perspective on the people, culture, and community that make DU special.  During his journey with the University Doug enjoyed meeting some very influential figures in the world. 

• Sergeant Eric White - Day Shift Patrol

  Eric White is a dedicated campus safety and workplace operations leader with more than 20 years of experience in security, emergency response, healthcare, hospitality, and higher education. He has been with the University of Denver since 2014 and has served as a Campus Safety Sergeant for nine years, providing leadership in daily operations, emergency response, training, safety initiatives, and community engagement. Throughout his career, Eric has developed a reputation for strong leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and a commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors. He has received multiple Officer of the Year and Excellence and Leadership awards and has served as an instructor in areas including Threat Pattern Recognition, CPR/First Aid, OC Spray, firearms, and self-defense. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver and has continued to expand his professional knowledge through leadership and emergency response training. Outside of work, Eric enjoys playing ice hockey on 2 teams, listening to music of all genres, learning about history, and expressing his creativity through drawing with graphite and pastels. Most importantly, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and young daughter and values the time he is able to spend with his family. He takes pride in balancing his commitment to his profession with his family, personal interests, and lifelong desire to continue learning. 

• Sergeant Harper Hill - Night Shift Patrol

  Harper Hill was born in Colorado and has spent most of her life in the state, developing a strong passion for serving her community and helping create an environment where people feel safe and supported. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver, double majoring in Criminology and English, and held several positions within Housing and Residential Education, including serving as a Resident Assistant in Johnson-McFarlane Hall, where she worked closely with Campus Safety. After graduation, Hill worked in Equal Employment and Opportunity before joining Campus Safety as an officer for a few years before leaving to pursue her legal education.

  Hill went on to earn her law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 and returned to Colorado, where she worked in a variety of legal and community-focused roles, with a particular passion for children's advocacy. Hill also helped launch a hybrid Juris Doctor program for an online law school and spent three years at a mental health center, providing community services and working as a program evaluator. In 2021, she returned to the University of Denver to pursue her Ph.D. and in 2024, she returned to the Department of Campus Safety. As the current Night Shift Sergeant, Hill draws on her diverse experience in law, community services, mental health, education, and public safety to support the DU community. Outside of work, she enjoys suspense and mystery audiobooks, exploring new activities throughout Colorado, spending time with loved ones (fur babies included), and anything involving the beach or a body of water. 

• Brittany Caldwell - Communications Center Manager

  Brittany Caldwell has been with the University of Denver Department of Campus Safety since 2019 and currently serves as the Communications Center Manager. Since becoming a supervisor in 2021, she has developed a passion for training and mentorship, with a focus on helping her team build confidence, think critically, and understand the reasoning behind their work. Originally from small town west Georgia, Brittany has called Colorado home since 2018 and enjoys exploring both Denver and the beautiful sights around it. Outside of work, she is an avid music lover who enjoys jazz clubs, PC gaming, events, concerts at local venues, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Brittany enjoys learning how things work, collecting new experiences, and making genuine connections with people wherever she can. Her favorite part of the job is sharing in the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that comes when communications, our investigator, and patrol work together to bring a difficult situation to a positive resolution for someone that needed us.  

Emergency Preparedness Division

• Captain Jeff Simpson

  Captain Jeff Simpson serves as the Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety for the University of Denver Department of Campus Safety. He has more than 20 years of experience in public safety, security management, emergency preparedness, and leadership, including previous service in the United States Air Force and as a Director of Security in higher education. At DU, Jeff oversees the University's emergency preparedness program and works closely with campus partners and local first responders to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities across the University. He holds a Master of Science in Security Management with a concentration in Emergency Planning and Response from the University of Denver, as well as a bachelor's degree in Theatre and Communications. Jeff is passionate about building strong relationships across campus and helping members of the DU community feel prepared and confident when emergencies occur. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, going to the movies, following Dodgers baseball, and staying active.

Compliance and Training Division

• Mark Derham - Manager of Compliance and Training

  Mark Derham serves as the Campus Safety Accreditation Manager and Clery Coordinator. Prior to joining the University of Denver in 2022, he spent a decade with the Golden Police Department, serving as both a 911 Dispatcher and Accreditation and Training Coordinator. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mark has dedicated his career to public safety. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Arts in Political Science. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Colorado Denver. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mark enjoys spending time with his two children and pursuing outdoor activities including rock climbing, golfing, and skiing.

• Sergeant Jasen Hollopeter - Training Division

  Sergeant Jasen Hollopeter is a Colorado native with an extensive career in public service spanning nearly three decades. He served 22 years on active duty in the United States Coast Guard before retiring. He continued his commitment to serving others as a Deputy Sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for seven years.

  During his time with the Sheriff's Office, Sergeant Hollopeter discovered a passion for training and instruction, developing expertise in a variety of law enforcement disciplines. Today, he serves as the Training Sergeant for the University of Denver Department of Campus Safety, where he oversees training and professional development for the department.

  Outside of work, Sergeant Hollopeter enjoys spending time outdoors and playing guitar.

Co-Responder Program

The Co-Responder Program integrates behavioral health expertise into DU Campus Safety operations, expanding the range of support available to our community and helping ensure the right response is provided at the right time. Co-responders are behavioral health professionals who work alongside Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) to respond to situations involving behavioral health needs, provide immediate support, and help connect individuals with appropriate resources and services. 

Co-Responder Manager Becca Jeambey

Becca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, born and raised in CO and is a DU Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) alum. Over the years Becca has worked in many mental health spaces and has found a calling in crisis intervention. Becca has returned to the University of Denver to integrate behavioral health response into the Department of Campus Safety's operations. She is passionate about community well-being and works to promote the availability of comprehensive support on campus.

In her free time, she enjoys running/ outside activities, shopping, and relaxing with her two fur-babies (cats).

FAQs

• Is the co-responder a confidential resource?

  Yes. The co-responding crisis clinician serves as a confidential resource, consistent with applicable professional and legal requirements. Campus Safety Officers and Communications Center personnel, however, are not confidential resources. Information shared with or in the presence of Campus Safety personnel is treated with care and discretion and is only shared with others when there is a legitimate need to know. The Department of Campus Safety takes the privacy of our community members seriously and works to protect personal information whenever possible. 

• What kinds of situations do co-responders respond to?

  Co-responders may assist with a variety of situations involving behavioral health needs, including mental health crises, emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or concerns, welfare checks, and other situations where behavioral health expertise may help support the individual and guide the response. 

• How do I request a co-responder?

  Individuals who need immediate support or assistance should contact the Department of Campus Safety at 303-871-3000. Each call is evaluated to determine the most appropriate response based on the circumstances, including whether a co-responder is available and whether behavioral health support would be beneficial. 

Armed Response Team

The Armed Response Team (ART) is a small, carefully selected group of Campus Safety Officers who have completed an extensive selection, evaluation, and specialized training process. ART members provide an enhanced response capability for active assailant incidents and other situations involving an immediate threat of serious harm. The program is built around rigorous training, sound judgment, de-escalation, accountability, and the responsible use of this enhanced capability to better protect the DU community.

FAQs

• How are officers selected to serve on the Armed Response Team?

  Serving on the Armed Response Team is a significant responsibility, and participation is limited to officers who successfully complete a rigorous selection and evaluation process. Candidates are evaluated based on demonstrated job performance, judgment, decision-making, interpersonal skills, and their ability to perform effectively under stress. The selection process also includes an oral board, psychological evaluation, and additional screening to ensure members meet the high standards established for the program. 

• What training do Armed Response Team members receive?

  ART members complete extensive initial and ongoing training that extends well beyond firearms proficiency. Training includes active assailant response, scenario-based decision-making, de-escalation, crisis intervention, communication, conflict resolution, bias awareness, and other skills necessary to safely manage complex and high-risk situations. Members must demonstrate continued proficiency and sound judgment to remain eligible to serve on the team. 

• When is the use of a firearm authorized?

  The added capability of a firearm does not change the Department of Campus Safety’s commitment to de-escalation and resolving situations with the lowest level of intervention appropriate to the circumstances. ART members are trained to use sound judgment, communication, and de-escalation whenever circumstances allow. A firearm is an enhanced response capability intended for situations involving an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, consistent with Department policy, training, and applicable law.