LUPD Divisions
The Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) is made up of several divisions. Each team works to keep the Liberty University campus safe and to protect you and the entire university community.
Operations Division
Uniformed officers. Get to know them. They are here for the student body, faculty, and staff.
Police Unit
The Police Unit is comprised of Virginia certified uniformed law enforcement officers. Police officers are the most visible symbol of law enforcement. The Police Unit consists of four squads of police officers who are on patrol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Police officers provide a safe environment to the community by conducting mobile patrols as a deterrent to prevent crime, responding to calls of service, and enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth as well as university rules and regulations.
Security Services Unit
The Security Services Unit is comprised of Virginia licensed Registered Armed Security Officers that serve in buildings on campus from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday. They also cover certain portions of campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are first responders in emergency situations and are the community outreach arm of LUPD.
Security Services officers are available for protection throughout the building and initial reporting of incidents and suspicious activity. They also help with general questions regarding security around campus and found property.
K9 Explosive Detection Unit
The K9 Units are used to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and staff while attending major events on campus. Their job is to smell and detect explosive odors. Each dog goes through specialty training for several months before they receive their police badges. Their handlers work and train with them throughout the year to stay up to date on the most current and effective detection methods.
If seen on campus, know that our K9 Officers do wear harnesses and collars that indicate when they are hard at work. While there may be times that interactions are be permitted, please consult their handlers first.
Administrative Division
Records Unit
The Records Unit is responsible for maintaining all law enforcement and security services records and release of information based on Virginia law and LU policy.
Office / Budget Unit
The Office / Budget Unit provides support via the Liberty University budget system to ensure that uniforms and equipment for use by the Operations Division and Training Unit are purchased and utilized appropriately. This Unit oversees the Parking Enforcement Unit.
Parking Enforcement Unit
The Parking Enforcement Unit is tasked with enforcement of Liberty University vehicle registration and parking policy. They assist with special events by ensuring reserved areas are blocked off as necessary.
Professional Services / Accreditation Unit
The Professional Services / Accreditation Unit deals with Human Resource issues (hiring, pay and evaluation of LUPD staff). This Unit also provides detailed work on the LUPD effort to become a Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited agency.
Training Unit
The Training Unit coordinates and teaches internal and external training for the LUPD police officers, security services officers and civilian staff to ensure they are kept abreast of changes and prepared to respond to all situations. The Unit coordinates with other LUPD Units to protect dignitaries when they visit the campus. The Unit oversees the School Resource Unit.
Learn more about firearms on campus.
School Resource Unit
The School Resource Unit provides two police officers and a security services officer to Liberty Christian Academy (LCA). These officers provide security throughout the school day, monitor traffic for student drop-off and pick-up, monitor students in the hallways during transition times, and provide security at LCA home sporting events.
These officers also assist LCA with disciplinary issues and any criminal activity that might be detected on the campus.
Investigations Division
Detective Unit
The Detective Unit is primarily responsible for investigating complex criminal cases which occur within LUPD’s jurisdiction.
These cases are thoroughly and professionally investigated with the utmost consideration for the needs of the victim and without bias or prejudice. Investigative support is also provided to the Operations Division as needed. The Investigations Division also works in close liaison with the Office of Equity and Compliance (Title IX), the CARE Team in the Office of Community Life, and area law enforcement agencies in our common goal of maintaining a safe community.
Intelligence Unit
The Intelligence Unit researches information related to possible crimes, provides information to the LUPD Divisions, and maintains contact with other law enforcement to provide proactive information related to crime trends, possible solutions and potential criminal activity.