Police Officers: Patrol operations are what most people think of when they think of a police department. Officers, in squad cars patrolling their districts, communicating on mobile radios and responding to calls for service. "Patrol" is the stuff shows like "COPS" are made of and has historically been referred to as the backbone of policing. It still is — it’s just that in addition to the traditional model of driving around until the next radio call comes in, our officers are also community police, liaison officers, and field training officers. They are visiting off campus locations, assisting with special events, helping out visitors to our campus, participating in the Gifts for Children, Special Olympics, and other charitable organizations.  While they are doing all this, if you call 9-1-1 or our non-emergency number 567-2800, it is the patrol officer that gets the call.

Some of the responsibilities of Patrol Officers include preventive and directed patrol, conducting initial preliminary investigations, offender apprehension, victim assistance, crime scene control & investigation,  special events support, report writing, court appearances and when assigned, case follow-up investigations. Patrol Officers also conduct daily foot patrols on the interior and exterior areas of the campus. This activity provides closer contact with the public and assists in the deterrence of criminal activity. It is the patrol officer that is our first responding presence to any situation and it is the patrol officer that forms the public’s image of our police department. We are very proud of our patrol officers and all that they do every day and night to make our community a safe place to teach, learn, research and visit.

Public Safety Officers: As one of the most visible divisions of the police department, there are 51 safety officers who are the first interaction most members of the University and visitors come in contact with.  Their public relations skills extend from greeting each person driving onto the University campus, working at special events to providing directions and information to students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus.

The daily responsibilities of the safety officers include the patrol of the parking lots as well as the staffing of several posts such entry control stations on  and off campus. They are responsible for the prevention of theft and damage to university and personal property as well as the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus.

The security officer’s contribution to the success of law enforcement efforts on the campus is without a doubt a very important link in maintaining the existence of a safe, orderly and tranquil environment that will assure all those affiliated with the university the opportunity of achieving their mission.