We consider it our duty and privilege, not only to protect the university community from the criminal, but also to protect and defend the rights guaranteed under our structure of government. Our broad philosophy is the determination to protect and support individual rights while at all times providing for the safety and security of persons and property in the university community. In meeting this objective, it is our duty to operate as a public service organization. University Police officers are commissioned by the State of Washington, receive the same training, and are invested with the same powers and authority as other police officers in the state. University police officers investigate all crimes reported on campus and enforce all applicable federal, state, county, and city criminal and traffic laws.
Persons arrested by university police have their cases adjudicated in local courts.
While the university police have primary jurisdiction at WWU, federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies have concurrent jurisdiction. In the event of an emergency, contact the Department of Public Safety. Student employees are not police officers and have no police powers, but work in conjunction with the university police. Security patrols are on duty every day of the year from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., both on foot and in vehicles. The university Lockshop performs maintenance and repairs on all existing locks on campus as well as the planning, ordering, and installation of new locks and the issuing of all keys.