The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the global body for security professionals in higher and further education, has expressed shock and sadness following a serious incident at the University of Surrey on June 4, 2026.
Their primary concern is for the injured member of the university's Campus Safety team and their family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.
Commitment Under Challenging Circumstances
Campus Safety and Security teams in higher education institutions are instrumental in maintaining the safety of students, staff, and visitors. They often face difficult, high-pressure, and unpredictable situations.
The AUCSO acknowledges the distress caused by this event across the University of Surrey
The recent incident emphasizes the dedication and professional courage of those who work tirelessly on the front lines of campus security. The AUCSO acknowledges the distress caused by this event across the University of Surrey community and commends the bravery and humanity demonstrated by students and others who assisted in the aftermath.
Support Amid Ongoing Investigation
The AUCSO has offered its support to the University of Surrey's Campus Safety team and other colleagues during this period. However, as the incident is still under police investigation, further details cannot be disclosed. Figen Murray OBE, AUCSO's Patron, commented, "I am deeply saddened to hear of this shocking incident and my thoughts are with the injured member of the Campus Safety team, their family, colleagues and the wider University of Surrey community."
Murray continued, emphasizing the vital role of those maintaining safety in public spaces, "Those who work to keep our campuses and public spaces safe perform a vital role, often with great courage and dedication. At moments like this, it is so important that we stand alongside them and recognize the humanity, professionalism and bravery shown by those who respond when others are in need."
The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the organization for security professionals working in Higher and Further Education worldwide, is shocked and saddened by the serious incident reported at the University of Surrey yesterday (4.6.26).
AUCSO’s thoughts are first and foremost with the member of the University’s Campus Safety team who has been seriously injured while carrying out their duties. AUCSO’s thoughts are with them, their family, friends and colleagues, and to the wider Campus Safety and university community at this very difficult time.
Extremely challenging circumstances
Campus Safety and Security teams across higher and further education work every day to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. They are often the first to respond in difficult, fast-moving and unpredictable situations, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the commitment, courage and professionalism shown by those working on the frontline of campus safety.
They also recognize the distress this incident will have caused to students, staff and families across the University of Surrey’ community. They have been moved by reports of students and others at the scene who stepped forward to help, showing considerable bravery and humanity in extremely challenging circumstances.
Active police investigation
AUCSO has reached out to the University of Surrey to offer support to its Campus Safety team and wider colleagues in any way that may be helpful. As this remains an active police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the circumstances of the incident.
Figen Murray OBE, Patron of AUCSO, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this shocking incident and my thoughts are with the injured member of the Campus Safety team, their family, colleagues and the wider University of Surrey community.”
“Those who work to keep our campuses and public spaces safe perform a vital role, often with great courage and dedication. At moments like this, it is so important that we stand alongside them and recognize the humanity, professionalism and bravery shown by those who respond when others are in need.”
