About Our Department....
The West Virginia University Police Department was created in 1961 by an Act of the West Virginia Legislature, to maintain law and order on its campuses, detect and prevent crime, apprehend offenders of the law, protect life and property, and render aid to the injured.
WVU PD is the largest University police force, and sixth largest police department in the State of West Virginia. Both major campuses are located within Morgantown city limits, including education facilities throughout the State of West Virginia, with a third new campus in Parkersburg.
WVU Police officers are empowered to enforce County and State laws, with full arresting powers, and are trained at the West Virginia State Police Academy.
WVU Police Department is a progressive professional department that strives to provide the highest standards of law enforcement for the University community. The department has come a long way since its beginnings, when it consisted of just four officers.
Today, WVU Police Department/Parking Control Division is headed by a Chief of Police, forty-seven sworn police officers, and a combined support staff of twenty civilian employees. It is comprised of field patrol, a parking control division, criminal investigation/detective unit, crime prevention, public relations, and juvenile referrals and records, as well as officers trained in the investigation of narcotics, arson, sexual assaults, burglary, breaking and entering, and hazardous chemical waste. WVU Police also has officers certified in firearms, first aid and CPR training, and tactical and self-defense techniques.
The department encourages continuing education in both academic and law enforcement/criminal justice, including a career development program that stresses education and training. The department's training division provides in-service training opportunities for all officers.
Modern equipment and various computer links provide instant response to queries for police information of all kinds. WVU Police is part of the NCIC network system and 911 emergency response communication center. Professional personnel provide the University community with dedicated service to keep the campus safe, and a low crime rate.
WVU Police Department is constantly aware that it serves the University community and the community's trust in our Department is valued and protected by each officer. The officers are encouraged to be involved with the student body, the University and City communities at large, and to be accessible and receptive to questions from our students, faculty, staff, and the public.
WVU PD is also a part of the law enforcement community of eight other police agencies. Whatever the category - - crime, traffic control, or investigations - - the WVU Police Department is operationally active in the field and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies.
West Virginia University Police officers wear their uniforms with pride, and are the University's finest, serving the University community with integrity, justice, and equality.
