Get to know F&S: Alexandro Apostoli

When it comes to safety on campus, Alexandro Apostoli is the one to call

Some people are natural talkers. They can talk about themselves or talk about a subject at length. But there are some people whose gift of conversation lies in their ability to get you to talk. Alexandro Aposotoli, a Communications Operator with Campus Safety, is the latter, professionally. 

Apostoli is the first point of contact for University of Toronto campus community members who are in need of help. Calls that come in to the communications hub can vary dramatically, from fire safety incidents, to building security issues, maintenance requests and even community members experiencing a mental health crisis. “The end goal,” Apostoli says, “is to get everyone help.”  

Apostoli works closely with the Fire Prevention Team, Trades, other Campus Safety teammates as well as the city of Toronto’s emergency services to connect community members to the right help in a timely manner. No matter the issue, either Apostoli or one of his fellow dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year to answer calls. 

Apostoli has navigated several high stress crisis situations on campus over the years. His training and trauma-informed approach make all the difference. In a difficult situation, Apostoli says it’s important to keep callers on the phone so that he can gently get as much information as possible to best prepare the appropriate emergency responders. 

“Some calls can be a very high stress situation,” he says, “but I’m trained in it.” Listening keenly and offering callers the chance to speak with a dispatcher of another gender if that makes them more comfortable, is critical. “I ask people – do you want to talk to me, or someone else?” says Apostoli. “You have to be adaptive, and ultimately, build trust.” 

Campus Safety Assistant Director Peter Shipley describes Apostoli as “calm, professional and empathetic” and as someone who can “ask the right questions and demonstrate that he cares.” 

“As the first contact that someone has with Campus Safety, we are extremely proud of the outstanding work that our Communications Operators like Alex do day in and day out,” Shipley says. 

Apostoli studied criminology and first joined the Campus Safety team in 2016 as a dispatcher with plans to become a special constable. “But then I liked dispatching so much I just stayed,” Apostoli says. “I’ve been around for a while and every day there’s something I run into that I’ve never done before. No situation is exactly the same.”  

But no matter the situation, it’s being helpful that matters most to Apostoli. “I always like to help people. I see the good in people. I want to make sure everyone’s safe,” he says.  

In his spare time Apostoli is a big reader, both in print and audiobooks, likes to play basketball and is busy planning his upcoming wedding. 

Learn more about Campus Safety, here. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can call Campus Safety anytime (available 24hrs a day). Urgent calls: 416-978-2222, or 911. Non-urgent calls: 416-978-2323. 

Learn more about the Campus Safety app with live chat features (perfect for community members less comfortable speaking on the phone), TravelSafer and other safety features, here.