Welcome to the University of Alabama campus. The University of Alabama Police Department’s goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of our community- students, faculty, staff as well as visitors to our campus. However, we must share that responsibility with you. University Police work to help you maintain your personal safety and to protect your property by providing full law enforcement services and by sharing information you can use to reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim. University Police provide an array of services that include Police Patrol, Investigations, Community Services and Police Communications. UAPD works closely with the other areas of responsibility within Public Safety - Enviornmental Health and Safety, Security Resources, Access Control, Emergency Preparadness and the Crimson Choice Program for a comprehensive approach to student and faculty-staff well being. Our goal is to partner with you to make the campus community a safe and secure place in which to live, work, and learn.

Mission Statement

To partner with members of the University community to maintain an environment of safety conducive to the accomplishment and fulfillment of the University of Alabama's overall mission by providing information and services that enhance personal safety and protect resources.

Vision Statement

To be a department that continuously improves the quality of service provided to the University community by emphasizing the prevention of crime through effective use of information technology, personal communication skills, and professional standards.

Values Statement

The University of Alabama Police Department strives for its members to be honest, ethical, and professional. The department seeks to safeguard individual rights and to treat all with respect and courtesy.

History

Since the founding of The University of Alabama in 1831, the security of the University properties was generally the responsibility of students, faculty, and night watchmen. In 1946, the University of Alabama formed a police department by the hiring of a chief and three police officers. Training consisted of one month under the tutelage of the chief, after which, the officers had arrest powers. The department was originally located in an office in Woods Hall, and then relocated to a small room in the Union building in 1947.

University Police moved to Gorgas Hall in the mid 1960s and remained there until October 2005. UAPD moved to temporary quarters in New Hall (current location) while awaiting the construction of a new facility. In 1998, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. accredited the department’s police function. University police officers are granted arrest powers under state law and are certified by the State of Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Typically, a new police officer receives 240 hours of orientation training, 480 hours of training at the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy, 440 hours of field training and evaluation before beginning a 1,040 hour probationary period.

University Police currently has 62 authorized full-time sworn positions and nine full-time civilian employees. The University Police Department has three major areas of responsibility: Patrol Operations, Administration, and Operations Support. Each area is committed to working with community members to maintain a safe environment for the 1.5 square mile campus that includes over 200 buildings, and over 31,000 students and faculty/staff.