Operations includes Patrol, Investigations, Special Events, Internal Affairs and Community Engagement.
Deputy Chief Dave Fontenot
UWPD Operations is led by Deputy Chief Dave Fontenot, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement service in Washington state in numerous capacities, including patrol, training, investigations and administration.
He returned to UWPD in 2026 after previously working for the department in 2006-2009 as an officer and field trainer. Fontenot is committed to supporting the University’s mission by ensuring a secure environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, and by promoting trust and partnership between law enforcement and the campus community.
“I am guided by the department’s mission to protect and serve with integrity, professionalism and respect by upholding the values of accountability, transparency and collaboration,” Fontenot said. “Throughout my career, I have championed innovative approaches to public safety, community engagement, and ethical policing, and will continue to develop a strong sense of what is present here at the amazing University of Washington.”
Patrol
Patrol is responsible for responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, responding to alarms, and assisting members of the community. Officers proactively patrol the UW Seattle campus and surrounding area 24/7 in marked police vehicles. The Patrol Bureau has two Explosive Detection Canine Teams who also patrol the campus and perform pre-event protection for special events.
Contact: uwpolice@uw.edu or 911 for emergencies; Non-Emergency: 206-685-8973 (UWPD)
Special events
The UWPD works in collaboration with UW Seattle departments to provide support for hundreds of special events every year including athletic events, dignitary visits, dances, concerts, lectures and major public demonstrations that require traffic, security and crowd control.
Learn more about special event support
Investigations
Investigations provides follow-up detective work in misdemeanor and felony investigations and is responsible for all evidence and property processing. Investigations also collaborates with other UW departments on the Student Care Team and Campus Care Team and provides standbys for workplace violence-related issues.
Contacts:
- A. Stewart: anthos2@uw.edu or 206-616-7884
- Property & Evidence Control: E. Herrera – uwpdevidence@uw.edu or 206-221-4808
- Workplace Violence: A. Stewart – anthos2@uw.edu or 206-616-7884
Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs handles any internal or external complaints or commendations submitted to UWPD. An Internal Affairs investigator will determine if a complaint can be handled at the supervisory level or if it meets the criteria for an Internal Affairs investigation.
Contact: uwpolice@uw.edu
Community Engagement
UWPD’s goal is to increase community awareness about the risk of campus crime by utilizing crime prevention services, tips, and social media posts. Our officers work with students to generate a sense of personal responsibility in each individual, to increase personal awareness, and to prevent or reduce criminal opportunities.
Contact: uwpolice@uw.edu