Walk around the UAA Anchorage campus long enough and you’ll likely cross paths with University Police Department (UPD) Officer Collin Hurd. Whether he’s responding to calls or going on patrol, he carries himself with an approachable demeanor that makes students feel at ease. But Hurd isn’t just friendly — he’s knowledgeable about UAA because he was once a student himself.

Hurd’s journey to law enforcement started long before he donned the uniform. Originally from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, he grew up with a natural inclination to help others. His uncle, a lieutenant with the Massachusetts State Police, inspired him from an early age, but his own experiences sealed his path. As a teenager, he participated in both a fire explorer and sheriff explorer program — initiatives designed to introduce young people to careers in public service.

A talented athlete, Hurd was initially on a different track — literally. He competed in football and track throughout high school, following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a star on their school’s track team. When it came time for college, Hurd first ran track at Saddleback College in California before being recruited to UAA as a hurdler during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I just liked helping people,” Hurd said. “And being an athlete, I have that physical aspect where I can help people by protecting them.”

After graduating from UAA in 2023 with a B.A. in justice, Hurd was determined to pursue a career in law enforcement. His first choice was UPD, but when he couldn’t find any job openings listed, he expanded his search. He applied to several agencies, including the Anchorage Police Department (APD), and was accepted into the APD Academy.

It wasn’t until he was already training that he discovered that UPD was, in fact, hiring. A fellow recruit in the academy mentioned they were joining UPD, which surprised Hurd. Then, during a chance encounter with UPD’s Sgt. Kevin Stevenson on campus, Stevenson jokingly asked, “Why don’t you join us?” before immediately putting him in touch with the right people.

For Hurd, patrolling his alma mater feels like home. As a former campus resident, resident advisor and student-athlete, he understands student life in a way that few officers can. Whether he’s chatting with faculty, checking in on students or making his presence known at campus events, he strives to build trust within the community.

“When I mention something like a campus term, students look at me surprised and ask, ‘How do you know that?’” Hurd said with a laugh. “And I tell them, ‘I went to school here too — I know exactly what you’re going through.’”

Building relationships on campus isn’t just a personal preference — it’s a crucial part of community policing, something Hurd values deeply. With national headlines frequently focusing on negative aspects of law enforcement, he wants students to see him as someone they can approach, whether they need help or just a friendly face.

“Trust is everything,” Hurd explained. “If we can make someone laugh or help them feel safe, that trust can make a huge difference when it really matters.”

Unlike larger agencies where cases are often passed off to different investigators, UPD officers handle their own investigations from start to finish. This allows Hurd and his colleagues to follow up on cases, build rapport with those they help, and ensure that concerns are fully addressed.

Now nearing the end of his field training, Hurd is excited to continue his role as a full-fledged officer. His goal is simple: to let students know he’s around, he understands them, and most importantly, they’re safe.