The University Police

In its continuous effort to provide the best security and safety measures possible, the University Police Department provides a variety of law enforcement services and functions for the campus and surrounding areas. An active, regular police presence is established with 24-hour patrol protection for the main campus, parking lots, and residence halls. The University Police Department also provides regular patrol on streets throughout the University campus and all areas adjacent to the campus. This includes making initial response to fraternity houses located near the main campus.

All ULM police officers are highly trained law enforcement personnel and are commissioned by the Department of Public Safety, State of Louisiana. Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1805 vests University Police Officers with full law enforcement powers, authority, and responsibilities identical to the local police or parish sheriff. Each officer must successfully complete the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Police Officer Standards and Training course. This is a ten-week training course taught by North Delta Training Academy, an extension of ULM which is located at 420 Wheelis Street, West Monroe, Louisiana. ULM police officers are trained along with officers from the 14 parish North Delta Region. All officers receive specialized training in first aid, firearms, defensive tactics, legal update, criminal investigation, collection and preservation of evidence, and traffic investigation.

ULM law enforcement officers have the right to carry a concealed weapon and to exercise the power of arrest when discharging their duties while in or out of uniform. In discharge of their duties on campus, police officers may exercise the power of arrest. University police officers have the authority to discharge their duties off campus if engaging in intelligence gathering activity, investigating a crime committed on campus, or if specifically requested by the chief law enforcement officer of the parish or city.

1. Investigations/Crime Prevention
   
   University police officers participate in seminars and workshops available to all students, faculty, and staff on a regular basis. The Director, or his designated representative, gives a crime awareness-safety security presentation at the beginning of each semester to all residence hall members as well as during student, parent, and new employee orientations. Topics available for discussion include: General Crime Prevention, Identify Your Property, Bicycle Security, Rape Awareness, and Sexual Assault.
   
   Information concerning safety and security is regularly provided to students, faculty, and staff by the use of seminars and workshops; crime alert bulletins; crime prevention posters and brochures; KXUL, the University radio station; Smoke Signals, the employee newsletter; and the Hawkeye, the student weekly newspaper.

The Investigation/Crime Prevention section is staffed by one full-time investigator; however, officers who have received specialized training in several major crime areas supplement the area as required. Programs available through this section are Crime Prevention and Awareness, Sexual Assault Presentations, Identify Your Property, and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Controlled Substances.

Proper lighting and building security are major factors in determining crime on campus. The University Physical Plant Director maintains the University buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. The director, or his representative, inspects campus facilities regularly, authorizes repairs as quickly as possible affecting safety and security, and responds to reports of potential safety and security hazards, such as broken locks and windows.

The University Police Department assists Physical Plant personnel by reporting potential safety and security hazards on a regular basis. Students, faculty and staff may also report any safety and security hazards by calling 342-5170 or 342-5350. The ULM campus is routinely inspected by a University Safety Committee which walks and inspects the entire campus to review lighting and other environmental concerns for safety and security. Most University facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. During the times that the University buildings are closed, only faculty and staff are allowed entry. With proper authorization, students are allowed access.

2. Relations with Other Law Enforcement Agencies
   
   The Police Department at the University of Louisiana at Monroe enjoys an excellent working relationship with the Monroe Police Department,
   the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department, the West Monroe Police Department, and the Monroe City Marshal’s Office. Personnel and resources are provided by these law enforcement agencies whenever an incident occurs that exceeds the capabilities of the the University of Louisiana at Monroe Police Department.