Our Background and History
When Wright State University was established in 1964, the Department of Security was formed. It was staffed by sworn police officers and security officers. By 1985, the unit had been renamed the Department of Public Safety and the remaining security officers replaced by sworn officers. From 1980 to 1994 the department was combined with Parking Services but both departments are now autonomous. In 2003, the Wright State University Department of Public Safety officially changed its name to the Wright State University Police Department.
The department currently has seventeen (17) sworn police officers, including the Chief of Police, Captain and Lieutenant. These officers meet all state police training requirements and derive their police authority as provided in Section 3345.04 of the Ohio Revised Code. Seven student patrol officers and S.A.F.E. (Student Association for Escorts) employees assist the sworn officers. Officers are on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, patrolling the campus in marked cruisers, on foot and bicycles. Officers can be reached 24 hours a day through our Communications Center in 060 Allyn Hall.
In addition to the patrol division, other department units include: crime prevention, police records, administrative and support services, communications center, technical services, and investigations. In June of 1998, the Police Department relocated its Administrative offices to the Campus Services Building on University Boulevard. This building houses university service departments including Public Safety, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Printing Services.
In addition to the conventional services provided to the university community, the department affords police and security coverage to the Ervin J. Nutter Center, a sports and entertainment complex serving the Southern Ohio Region. This facility brings a diverse population to campus and calls for policing strategies different from those used in traditional campus policing. The department works closely with police agencies whose jurisdictions are contiguous to the university in serving the needs of the Nutter Center.
The Police Department functions within the Division of Student Affairs at Wright State University. Other departments in the division include: Admissions, Athletics, Campus Recreation, Career Services, Disability Services, Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs, Psychological Services, Residence Services, Student Health Services, Student Activities, Student Support Services, Student Judicial Services, and Student Union & Event Services.
The department looks forward to continuing to fulfill its mission of providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Wright State University.
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