Police Department

The University of Connecticut Health Center has its own police department accountable to the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs. This lineage of authority is similar to our counterparts in municipal governments reporting to their own town/city managers. The University Police Department derives its authority from Section 10a-142 of the Connecticut General Statues. The University Police Department is a well equipped and highly trained agency that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The officers in this department have the same legal authority granted to police officers across the state pertaining to investigations, arrest, search and seizure, etc. The officers’ authority in regards to minor offenses and crimes is generally limited to property owned or under the control of the Health Center; however, they may take action for serious crimes committed in their presence anywhere within Connecticut.

Staff

The University Police Department staff consists of approximately 29 people, 15 of which are sworn, certified police officers by the State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council. Our training and certification status is conducted and maintained through the Council, the same as for the roughly 7,000 other municipal police officers within the State of Connecticut. We are currently in the process of reviewing our Campus Wide Security Master Plan which will be updated and implemented over the next several years.

The University Police Department is administered by the Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety. The chief sets the vision and direction for the department. The operational aspects of the agency are overseen by an Assistant Chief of Police also known as Assistant Director of Public Safety. The day to day operations of the police department are coordinated by a Lieutenant, who is the department’s Executive Officer. The command structure is supported by administrative personnel. An experienced investigator conducts all background checks for new employees and contractors in accordance with federal government mandates. In addition, two locksmiths are employed by Public Safety to handle a variety of key/card control issues.

Working around the clock are the police sergeants, officers, and dispatchers. The workforce is broken down into three shifts, each starting at 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and 12 a.m. Our personnel are diverse and experienced, ranging from 35 years to one year in law enforcement, with 20 years being the median years of experience for active personnel. This is well above the national average.

Training

Sworn personnel range in experience from former Chiefs of Police, Commanders, Lieutenants, Sergeants and officers retired from other police agencies, to newly appointed police officers in training at the Police Academy. The department employs Buildings and Grounds Patrol Officers at the entry level. After successfully completing the rigorous testing process for Protective Services Trainee, administered by the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, they may be appointed as recruits and sent to attend the 22 week police academy at the State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council in Meriden, Connecticut.

Prior to their appointment to the police academy, recruits must pass a written examination, an oral interview, a background investigation that includes a polygraph examination, psychological and drug screening, as well as a physical fitness evaluation. The basic training course, if successfully completed, is supplemented by 12 weeks of field training with a certified field training police officer. In addition to initial recruit training, all officers must complete necessary recertification every three years. Below is a listing of some of the mandated courses of basic recruit training:

The Police Academy website lists a vast array of mandate/training courses. The academy may be utilized by our officers to attend selective training to further their law enforcement knowledge.

Police Services

The University of Connecticut Health Center Police Department is a fully staffed, well equipped, highly trained and motivated police department. We are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and vested with the responsibility of enforcing all laws and regulations of the State of Connecticut and UConn Health Center, as well as ensuring the constitutional rights of all individuals.

Through foot and motor vehicle patrols, fixed posts, and closed circuit cameras, the police department works to prevent crime, apprehend violators and protect the persons and property of staff, students, patients and visitors. Escort services are provided on request, as well as assistance to motorists with jumpstarts and being locked out of their vehicles. The University offers a shuttle service between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. for students, staff, patients, and visitors for safe and efficient movement about the 170 acre campus and satellite buildings.

The department responded to in excess to 16,500 calls for service in calendar year 2007, with that number increasing over the years as the University grows.

Uniforms and Equipment

For the most part, University police officers will be in uniforms. All police officers are fully trained and equipped with firearms. Officers also carry two-way radios, batons, handcuffs, pepper spray, and ballistic vests. However, the most important and efficient tool at the officer’s disposal is their ability to communicate. Officers are trained to remain calm, investigate to find the core problematic issues, and de-escalate the situations with amicable results.

Officers in plainclothes will have their equipment concealed. If their equipment is exposed, they will have a police shield or I.D. badges that the public can readily identify.

The officers operate marked police cruisers, equipped with emergency lights and siren, as well as protective interior screens. First responder equipment is carried in the trunk of the cruisers. Specialty trained officers utilize mountain bikes to patrol the campus in good weather.

The officers also have at their disposal various computers to assist them in their daily work. Some examples are in-house, COLLECT/NCIC (for state and national queries), MDT (Mobile Data Terminal), which are portable and used in the cruisers for statewide and nationwide information.

The department maintains closed circuit cameras, point specific alarms and access systems. Communications are recorded with the exception of prisoner phone calls. We also monitor building fire detection and alarm equipment, dispatching necessary fire, police or EMS services when required.

Vehicle Registration and Decals

All users of the campus parking facilities must register their vehicle with the Police Department through Public Safety Administration and must display a valid parking permit. Further information regarding parking regulations and enforcement will be provided when you register your vehicle, or by visiting the Public Safety Administration page. Visitors and patients should park in lots designated for such.

Uniform Crime Report

In accordance with Connecticut State Law, statistics on campus are available upon request or on the Public Safety Administration page.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities are handled through the University of Connecticut Health Center’s Human Resources Department. Please visit the Human Resources website for employment opportunities.