Campus Police

Lock Haven University police officers provide law enforcement and security services on university owned property. The department's sworn police officers have all completed municipal police training and are required to complete mandatory update training as well as attend special training seminars. They are recertified, as required, in first aid and CPR, hazmat, blood- borne pathogens, and OC spray.

Police Officers employed at Lock Haven University receive their police powers from the Governor of Pennsylvania and have full power of arrest for any violation of law on campus property. University Police are responsible for enforcing all Federal, State and Local laws in addition to the rules and regulations of the University. University Police are responsible for investigating all reports of criminal activity on campus and to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies as needed. Officers are armed. The officers must qualify with their firearms and auxiliary weapons annually.

Uniformed officers patrol the campus on foot, by vehicle, and on bicycles, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department is also responsible for parking on campus, including issuing permits and enforcing regulations. The Department of Public Safety works very closely with the surrounding municipal police departments daily to provide for a safe and secure environment throughout the entire community. We also work with the campus Office of Judicial Affairs and hold students accountable for their behavior both on and off campus.

Access to University Facilities

Most University buildings and facilities, other than student residence halls, are accessible to members of the university community, their guests and visitors during normal hours of business, and during designated hours on weekends and holidays, depending on the wide variety of events and activities taking place outside the normal business hours. Academic, administrative and recreational buildings are locked nightly at the conclusion of activities and classes. Unauthorized persons are not permitted in the buildings during these times. Individuals needing access after-hours can request special access from the department. University Police maintain a list of individuals who receive permission to be admitted after hours. Proper identification must be presented to the University Police for admittance to closed buildings.

Organizations not affiliated with the University may request use of the facilities by contacting the Vice President for Finance, Administration and Technology office. Public Safety personnel (police/security officers) patrol the grounds and conduct security checks of all University buildings. In addition to checking the security of buildings, Public Safety Officers report physical safety and security hazards, including defective lighting to the Maintenance Department. Hazards that pose a significant risk to health and safety receive priority attention. The Safety Inspector also works closely with the Maintenance Department to identify and eliminate safety hazards in the buildings and on the grounds.

The Lock Haven University Public Safety Department has adopted a Community Oriented Policing approach in all campus buildings on all shifts to provide high officer visibility and access. These regular foot patrols act as a deterrent to criminal activity and enable students, staff, and visitors to get to know the officers.