Campus Safety – Liberty University
Overview
Our focus is on protecting you — so your focus can be on your future.
When looking for the right college, campus safety is consistently near the top of parent and student concerns. At Liberty University, your safety and well-being is one of our highest priorities.
Liberty University is regularly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the state — and in the nation.
As an LU student, you can be confident that your university has invested in activities and initiatives designed exclusively to keep you safe.
LUPD Campus Security (2:31)
Our Campus was Ranked in the Top 20% of the Nation’s Safest College Campuses by Niche.com for 2025
LUPD
Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) – Protecting You is Our Highest Priority
LUPD is a full-service law enforcement agency staffed by highly trained professionals who provide 24/7 active police support.
All personnel are trained in Basic First Aid, CPR, and AED services. On-campus staff includes:
- 22 Virginia State-certified armed security officers
- Over 40 Virginia State-certified, -sworn, and -commissioned officers
- Several civilian employees
At times, LUPD will work with the Lynchburg Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and first responders to ensure your safety. The department also coordinates with Student Counseling Services, Community Life, Residence Life, the Office of Equity and Compliance, and Title IX.
LU SAFE RIDE: Students can request a police escort across campus at any time by calling the LUPD Non-Emergency Number.
LUPD contact information: Emergency (434) 592-3911 | Non-Emergency: (434) 592-7641
Campus Safety Measures
Everyday Steps to Keep You Safe
- Champion Safe is Liberty University’s official safety app, uniquely integrated with the university’s safety and security systems to enhance campus protection for students, faculty, and staff. Download the Champion Safe App
- Pedestrian safety measures (bollards) are installed on major walkways.
- A lighted pedestrian walking tunnel and bridge connect East Campus to the main campus.
- Every residence hall and dormitory is badge-access only.
- Student Leadership enforces a nightly curfew.
- Spectators also will be able to carry other items allowed into the stadium such as binoculars, cameras, and smart phones.
- Increased security and metal detectors are present at every large crowd event.
- Liberty follows a clear bag policy that is consistent with the NFL’s current model for every major event.
- Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or, one-gallon plastic freezer bags, are allowed into all home Liberty Athletics events.
- Small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ will be permitted.
- Spectators also will be able to carry other items allowed into the stadium such as binoculars, cameras, and smart phones.
- Safety training – All new students must take a campus safety seminar during their first semester (this is a graduation requirement).
- Faculty and Staff Training – Our staff and faculty are encouraged to attend our Active Assailant Community Preparedness Class (AACP). This course was developed based on data disseminated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Emergency Management System
Keeping You Informed and Prepared for Every Situation
Though we hope to never have to use them, Liberty University has comprehensive emergency plans in place to deal with any crisis that may occur on campus.
If severe weather or other emergency situations pose a threat, Liberty will communicate with students, faculty, and staff through our emergency notification system via text and/or email.
The emergency alert system is open to all members of the Liberty University community with a Liberty network account. Other individuals, such as a parent or spouse, can also receive alerts under your account.
Alerts will be sent by the Liberty University Police Department, and include:
- Life-Threatening Situations*
- Hazardous Material Situations
- Fire
- Road Closings
- School Closings
- Severe Weather
*All users who sign up for the emergency alert system will receive “Life-Threatening Situations” alerts.
During an emergency, Liberty University may use the notification system in conjunction with other communication measures, such as the outdoor sirens, to alert the Liberty community. We may also use the emergency notification system to alert the community to non-life threatening situations, such as a road or building closure.
Behavioral Threat Assessment
Empowering a Safer Campus – We CARE
The Office of Community Life is dedicated to coming alongside any student undergoing a crisis moment — while ensuring our entire university community remains safe and secure.
The CARE (Collaborate, Assess, Resource, Empower) Team exists to promote the safety and well-being of the university community by monitoring concerning behaviors over time and identifying patterns, trends, and disturbances in individual behavior.
Examples of “red-flag” behavior may include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal or disturbing behaviors
- Appearance of being overly nervous, tense or fearful
- Disruptive behaviors (e.g., in the classroom, off-campus)
- Excessive class absenteeism
- Expression of suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
- Flat affect or extreme lack of responsiveness
- Indirect or direct threats in writings or verbalizations
- Low frustration tolerance
- Notable change in behavior or appearance
- Overly aggressive behavior toward others
- Overreaction to circumstances
- Paranoia or delusions
- Projects or papers that convey clear intentions to harm self or others
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Substance abuse
- Threats to others
- Uncharacteristically poor academic performance
The CARE team collaborates as a group of dedicated professionals to assess the needs of students with red-flag behavior(s) and provide resources that will empower them for holistic success.
Additional Safety Information
At Liberty, we support responsible firearm ownership while maintaining a safe campus environment. To promote firearm safety, the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) offers a General Firearms Safety Course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on range practice, helping participants develop safe and responsible handling skills.
Conceal Carry at Liberty
Students, faculty/staff, and visitors are permitted to conceal carry while on campus. Individuals who conceal carry at Liberty must have valid state permit available at all times and be able to present it upon request.
General Firearms Safety Course
LUPD provides Liberty faculty, staff, students and family the opportunity to practice safe firearm handling through our General Firearms Safety Course. This course includes a 90-minute instructional course, followed by a 30-minute practical range exercise.