Patrol Operations
UDPD Patrol Operations
The University of Delaware Police Department is charged with providing a safe and secure environment for our campus community. All members of the University Police Department are committed to providing proactive, progressive and professional law enforcement services.
In addition to providing traditional police services on campus, department staff are trained to understand the pressures and needs of students, faculty and staff. The department’s mission is not only to enforce the law but also to educate students, faculty, staff and the visiting public as to how, in cooperation with the police, they can be better prepared to enhance their personal safety.
An integral part of the educational process, UD police officers are often called upon to speak on a variety of topics including: sexual assault, drugs, crime prevention, personal and traffic safety. Our officers strive to develop and maintain a positive relationship with students, faculty and staff in order to ensure the safety and cooperation of the entire campus community. Whatever the assignment, wherever the opportunity, University Police officers perform their duties in support of the educational mission of the University of Delaware.
The University of Delaware Police Patrol Division provides police services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Patrol Division routinely patrols not only campus property, but also streets and areas surrounding or inlayed within the campus throughout the City of Newark. Patrols are conducted by vehicle, motorcycle, on foot and by bicycle, to be more approachable and available for the community. The primary functions of the Patrol Division are to provide a rapid response to in-progress incidents, document and investigate reports of criminal activity, and serve as a visual deterrent to crimes yet to occur.
When not responding to calls from the community, officers engage in pro-active policing. This may include high visibility patrols in areas of concern, casual and positive interaction with members of the community, or enforcement of traffic and public order laws.
The Patrol Division is composed of 4 squads of officers, each led by a sergeant. Each squad works a rotating shift, allowing officers a chance to experience all facets of policing. Officers are designated a specific area or sector as their primary area of responsibility, enabling them to learn their specific sub-communities and interact with the public. Officers in the Patrol Division are often part of other specialized units, such as CIRT or the Honor Guard, and have the opportunity to make a difference in their community based on their individual strengths.
The University of Delaware has Police/K-9 teams that have received national certification from the National Police Canine Association after an intensive training program. The K-9’s are German Shorthaired Pointers or Labrador Retrievers that are trained in explosive detection, as well as building and area searches. The University of Delaware K-9 unit officers patrol campus in high-visibility patrol and targeted enforcement. The K-9 teams are also used for building searches prior to high profile events such as football games and dignitary visits. The K-9 handlers are also trained in explosive recognition. The K-9 teams also regularly assist other police agencies.
Bicycle patrol increases the capabilities of patrol using non-traditional patrolling of the campus community. Bike officers are highly mobile and capable of responding to and patrolling areas not accessible by vehicle. Bicycle patrol provides faster response times to complaints than officers on foot. Bike officers are trained and certified in operating police mountain bikes that are equipped with emergency lights and sirens. In addition to normal patrol duties, the bicycle unit assists with patrolling large scale events.
Motorcycle patrol increases the capabilities of patrol using non-traditional patrolling of the campus community. Motor officers are highly mobile and capable of responding to and patrolling areas not accessible by vehicle. Motorcycle patrol provides faster response time to complaints than officers on foot. Motor officers are trained and certified in operating electric Zero motorcycles that are equipped with emergency lights and sirens. In addition to normal patrol duties, the motorcycle unit regularly assists with patrolling large scale events and vehicle escorts.
