Policing on Campus: Exploring the 20 Universities with the Largest Police Departments

Policing on university campuses is a critical aspect of maintaining safety and security within academic communities. As institutions with diverse populations, universities often rely on their police departments to address a wide range of issues, from minor disturbances to serious crimes. In this article, we will explore the 20 universities in the United States with the largest police departments, shedding light on the scale and scope of law enforcement activities within higher education settings.

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Police Department: The UCLA Police Department is one of the largest university law enforcement agencies in the nation, serving a campus population of over 45,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a comprehensive array of services, including patrol, investigations, and community outreach, UCLA PD plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the campus community.

2. University of Texas at Austin Police Department: As one of the flagship universities in Texas, UT Austin boasts a sizable police department tasked with safeguarding a campus population of more than 51,000 students and employees. UT Austin PD is renowned for its proactive approach to crime prevention and community engagement initiatives.

3. Ohio State University Police Division: With a jurisdiction that extends beyond the main campus in Columbus to regional campuses across the state, the Ohio State University Police Division is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Ohio’s higher education landscape. Their commitment to collaboration and innovation has earned them accolades in campus safety.

4. University of Florida Police Department: The University of Florida Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the Gainesville campus, which hosts over 52,000 students, faculty, and staff. With specialized units focusing on areas such as bike patrol and crime prevention, UFPD is dedicated to fostering a secure environment for learning and research.

5. University of Central Florida Police Department: As one of the largest universities in the nation, UCF relies on its police department to uphold safety and security across its sprawling campus in Orlando. With a robust set of resources and a proactive approach to crime prevention, UCF PD plays a vital role in protecting the university community.

6. Michigan State University Police Department: Michigan State University Police Department serves a diverse campus community of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on community-oriented policing and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, MSU PD is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all.

7. University of Minnesota Police Department: The University of Minnesota Police Department serves multiple campuses across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, catering to a combined population of over 65,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a strong emphasis on community policing and student engagement, UMPD is dedicated to building trust and partnerships within the university community.

8. University of Washington Police Department: The University of Washington Police Department provides law enforcement services to the main campus in Seattle, as well as several satellite campuses and research facilities. With a focus on proactive crime prevention strategies and innovative approaches to campus safety, UWPD is a leader in higher education law enforcement.

9. University of California, Berkeley Police Department: UC Berkeley Police Department is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of one of the nation’s most renowned public research universities. With a focus on community policing and collaborative partnerships, UCPD strives to create a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Police Department: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Police Department serves a diverse campus community of over 60,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on proactive crime prevention and community engagement, UIPD works tirelessly to uphold the university’s commitment to safety and security.

11. Pennsylvania State University Police and Public Safety: Penn State Police and Public Safety is responsible for law enforcement and emergency management services across multiple campuses throughout Pennsylvania. With a dedicated team of sworn officers and professional staff, Penn State PD is committed to protecting the university community and promoting a culture of safety.

12. Rutgers University Police Department: Rutgers University Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. With a focus on community policing and proactive crime prevention initiatives, RUPD works collaboratively with campus stakeholders to address safety concerns and build trust within the university community.

13. University of Arizona Police Department: The University of Arizona Police Department is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the Tucson campus, which hosts over 45,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on community-oriented policing and crime prevention, UAPD is committed to fostering a supportive environment for teaching, learning, and research.

14. University of Maryland Police Department: The University of Maryland Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the College Park campus, catering to a diverse community of over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a commitment to excellence in policing and a focus on community engagement, UMPD strives to enhance the quality of life for all members of the university community.

15. Indiana University Police Department: Indiana University Police Department provides law enforcement services to multiple campuses across the state, serving a combined population of over 110,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, IUPD is dedicated to promoting a safe and secure environment for teaching, learning, and research.

16. University of South Florida Police Department: The University of South Florida Police Department is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Tampa campus, as well as several regional campuses and research facilities. With a focus on proactive crime prevention and community engagement, USF PD is committed to fostering a culture of safety and respect within the university community.

17. University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department: The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the Madison campus, which hosts over 45,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on community-oriented policing and proactive crime prevention, UWPD works collaboratively with campus stakeholders to address safety concerns and promote a supportive learning environment.

18. University of Colorado Boulder Police Department: The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of one of the nation’s premier public research universities. With a commitment to community policing and student engagement, CUPD strives to create a campus environment where all members feel safe and supported.

19. Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department: Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department provides law enforcement services to the Richmond campus, as well as several satellite campuses and research facilities. With a focus on proactive crime prevention and community outreach, VCU PD works collaboratively with campus stakeholders to address safety concerns and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.

20. University of Oregon Police Department: The University of Oregon Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the Eugene campus, catering to a diverse community of over 25,000 students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on community policing and proactive crime prevention, UOPD is committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all members of the university community.

Conclusion: The presence of large police departments on university campuses reflects the commitment of institutions to prioritize safety and security. By implementing proactive crime prevention strategies and fostering strong partnerships with the community, these universities aim to create environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.