About the Police Department

The North Carolina Central University Police Department is housed primarily at the Police and Public Safety Building (2010 Fayetteville St.). The campus is patrolled 365 days a year by sworn police officers and security officers. Our primary objective is to provide a safe and secure environment where students, faculty and staff can live, learn and work.

All sworn officers are professionally trained and certified by the state of North Carolina, with the same authority and right to bear arms and arrest as any law enforcement officer.  The NCCU Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency with the same authority on campus as a municipal officer (per NCGS 116-40.5). Through agreement, the City of Durham extended jurisdiction to include the city limits with all powers as law enforcement officers.  The department collaborates closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in implementing and coordinating campus law enforcement operations.

The department maintains accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).  The CALEA accreditation program provides public safety agencies with an opportunity to voluntarily meet an established set of professional standards, which require:

• Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance and responsibilities
• Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions
• Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents
• Community relationship-building and maintenance
• Independent review by subject matter experts
• Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures

The department provides a full range of police services, including, but not limited to, investigating all crimes committed in and around its jurisdiction, making arrests, providing crime prevention/community services programs, enforcing traffic laws and maintaining crowd control for campus special events.

Police Department Org Chart

It is the mission of the North Carolina Central University Police Department to provide the highest level of professionalism in public safety for our students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.  We will utilize innovative measures to improve security and safety on our campus. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community by cultivating and maintaining proactive partnerships.  We will provide a safe campus environment conducive to learning while maintaining the laws of North Carolina and the United States Constitution.  We conform to the principles of service, respect, professionalism and integrity.

Service | We provide service.

We believe that police and community cooperation is essential to delivering effective police services.  Building long-term partnerships with all stakeholders is every employee's responsibility.

Respect | We are respectful.

We respect ourselves and the rights of all persons by providing equal access to police services and recognizing the need for every person to be treated with dignity.  We communicate honestly and accurately, which establishes credibility and mutual respect.

Professionalism | We are professional.

We are professional in appearance, demeanor and job performance. We provide quality service by being proactive, well-trained and highly motivated. We strive to project a positive image with a spirit of cooperation and teamwork.

Integrity | We have integrity.

We are dedicated to the highest ethical and honorable standards. Acceptance of responsibility is critical to our effectiveness. Our accountability of being honest, fair and consistent builds trust within the department and the community we serve.

The Director of Public Safety holds the rank of Chief of Police.  The Chief of Police is responsible for developing, implementing, supervising and evaluating a proactive campus police department that provides comprehensive public safety to the students, faculty, staff and community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Three division commanders assist the Chief of Police: the Patrol Division Commander, the Administrative Division Commander, and the Communications and Security Technologies Division Commander.  Budget, Personnel, and Clery Act Compliance falls under the Office of the Chief of Police.

Budget

Budgeting involves assessing the department's needs, setting priorities and allocating funds accordingly. It requires careful planning, analysis and accountability to ensure that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. The budget directly impacts the department's ability to carry out its mission and provide necessary services to the university community.

Personnel

The Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police is crucial in managing and supporting the department's personnel.  She handles administrative tasks related to personnel records management, payroll processing, benefits enrollment, leave management and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Clery Act Coordinator

The Clery Act Coordinator oversees the institution's collection, analysis and dissemination of crime statistics. This involves coordinating with campus security personnel, local law enforcement agencies and other relevant departments to gather accurate crime data. The coordinator is responsible for compiling and publishing an annual security report that includes crime statistics and other mandated information.

The coordinator ensures that the institution has protocols for issuing timely warnings and emergency notifications to the campus community when there is an immediate threat to the safety of students, faculty or staff.

The Administrative Division Commander oversees all administrative functions of the department.  Specifically, the Commander provides direct supervision of the following sections:

Criminal Investigations Division

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is a specialized unit within the police department that investigates criminal activities. CID officers, also known as investigators, gather evidence, conduct interviews and analyze information to solve crimes and bring offenders to justice.

CID investigators work on many cases, including homicides, robberies, burglaries, sexual assaults, fraud and other serious offenses. They collaborate closely with patrol officers, forensic experts and other law enforcement agencies to assemble evidence and build strong cases.

Overall, the Criminal Investigations Division is crucial in the police department's efforts to combat crime, gather evidence and bring offenders to justice through thorough and systematic investigative work.

Office of Professional Standards

The Office of Professional Standards conducts thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct or violations of department policies and procedures by police officers. These investigations may involve complaints filed by members of the public or incidents identified internally.

The Professional Standards Lieutenant coordinates comprehensive background investigations on potential hires. This may involve conducting interviews with references, verifying employment and education history, reviewing criminal records and assessing character and suitability for the position.

The Office of Professional Standards also plans and organizes various events.  It handles logistical details, permits, scheduling and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Training

The police department's Training Section is a specialized section responsible for developing, implementing and managing training programs for law enforcement officers. The Training Section is critical in ensuring that officers receive the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to effectively carry out their duties while upholding professional standards and best practices.

Records

The police department's Record Section is a departmental unit responsible for organizing, maintaining and managing various records and documents generated by the police department.  The Record Section handles requests for police records from authorized individuals or organizations, such as attorneys, law enforcement agencies or members of the public.

Accreditation

The police department's accreditation section is a specialized unit responsible for managing the accreditation process and ensuring compliance with established standards and best practices. Accreditation is a voluntary process that allows police departments to demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, accountability and adherence to recognized industry standards.

The Patrol Operations Division Commander is responsible for law enforcement provided to the University community.  This is accomplished through:

Uniform Patrol

Uniform Patrol is the fundamental and visible component of the police department, aimed at maintaining public safety, deterring crime and responding to emergencies within the campus community. 

Uniform Patrol comprises four teams (A, B, C and D) that work 12-hour rotating shifts, with two squads working each day, either day or night.  Patrol officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Security

Campus security officers regularly patrol the campus grounds, buildings and parking areas to monitor for any signs of suspicious activity, unauthorized access or potential safety hazards. Their presence helps to deter criminal behavior and provides a sense of security to the campus community.

K-9 Program

The K-9 Program involves using specially trained police dogs to enhance security and provide valuable support to the campus police department.

One of the key roles of police K-9s is to detect illegal drugs and explosives. These highly trained dogs have a strong sense of smell and can effectively search areas, vehicles, and personal belongings for narcotics or explosive materials. This helps to combat drug use and distribution on campus and ensures a safer environment.

Logistics

The logistics officer is responsible for maintaining, repairing and servicing police equipment and vehicles. They establish maintenance schedules, coordinate with vendors and ensure all equipment is properly working. This includes firearms, communication devices, patrol vehicles, surveillance equipment and other specialized tools used by police officers.

The Communications and Security Technologies Division Commander oversees many of the technical aspects of the police department in partnership with the University’s Information Technology Services. This is inclusive of:

Emergency Communications Center

The Emergency Communications Center, also known as a police dispatch, serves as a central hub for receiving and coordinating emergency calls, dispatching police units, and providing essential communication support to law enforcement personnel. The role of a police emergency communications center is critical in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response.

Access Control

Access control is the implementation of measures and systems designed to regulate and manage entry to various areas of the campus. It involves controlling who is allowed access to specific buildings, facilities and restricted areas, and ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter these spaces.  This typically includes keyless access to exterior and select interior doors throughout campus.

Surveillance

The role of the surveillance system is to enhance campus security and safety by employing various technologies and strategies to monitor and record activities on university grounds. The presence of surveillance cameras and other visible security measures can act as a deterrent to potential criminal activity.

It also helps in the early detection of incidents such as theft, vandalism, assaults or unauthorized access. Monitoring the surveillance feeds enables the police department to identify and respond promptly to these incidents, minimizing their impact and facilitating a faster resolution.

University Switchboard

The university switchboard serves as a central communication hub, managing incoming and outgoing calls and providing information and assistance to callers. The switchboard acts as a point of contact for the university community, including students, faculty, staff, parents, visitors and the general public.