University Police Department
When your student leaves home and goes to college, some issues will naturally heighten your anxiety. That is why I want to tell you about all the people and programs that go into creating a safe GW Community.
The George Washington University is located in one of the safest areas of the city, but no campus is free from crime, whether it is urban, suburban or rural. Therefore, all the members to the University should take reasonable precautions.
Our department's motto, "Pride in Protection and Service," represents the Police Department’s commitment to working with all members of its community to make our campus a safe and secure environment. The George Washington University Police Department (UPD) has taken a proactive role in progressive campus policing. In its role as the campus law enforcement agency, the Department is responsible for protecting life and property, conducting crime awareness and education programs, enforcing DC laws and federal statutes, as well as University rules and regulations.
The University Police Department employs more than 100 uniform personnel, all of whom are special police officers commissioned by, or security officers licensed by the District of Columbia government. This force patrols the campus and neighboring community 24 hours a day, every day. The department also has 15 other staff members who work at Woodhull House (UPD Headquarters). UPD officers cover the campus by foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols, as well as by staffing general fixed posts.
UPD also hires students to work as Community Service Aides. They work in some of the residence halls and in various academic buildings. These students are responsible for checking ID's and providing additional "eyes and ears" for the department. University Police officers participate in intensive and on-going training in a variety of subjects including criminal law, civil law, public relations, race relations, interpersonal communications, crisis intervention, and all facets of protection of persons and property.
The Officers also attend a 250-hour Campus Law Enforcement Training Academy sponsored by the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area. In recent years the University has launched a number of initiatives to bolster its safety program.
They include:
- Purchasing escort vans which are driven by non-commissioned personnel to provide safe transporation in and around campus.
- Adding a GW Shuttle Service to compliment the UPD Escort Service that runs two routes around campus stopping at different residence halls and major academic buildings.
- Adopting community policing, a law enforcement philosophy that fosters partnerships between police officers and members of the GW Community.
- Implementing a 24-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation Team, comprised of staff members who are trained and prepared to assist the victim of a sexual assault or rape.
- Implementing a comprehensive crime prevention program consisting of approximately 70 programs/presentations per year.
- Offering a free 12-hour self-defense course to all female members of the GW Community.
- Implementing numerous theft prevention programs to increase awareness of theft on campus.
- Implementing a "Police on Bikes" unit to increase response time and improve public relations on campus.
- Implementing a Neighborhood Action Team comprised of officers who are responsible for solving quality of life issues and concerns raised by the Foggy Bottom/West End neighbors.
- In March 2006, UPD became an accredited law enforcement agency.
If your son or daughter is the victim of a crime on-campus, or has any security or safety related concerns while at GW, please encourage him/her to file a report with our Department immediately. They can stop by our Headquarters at 2033 G St NW, or call at 202-994-6110.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns relating to your student’s safety on campus and be sure to look for additional information from my office throughout the year.
