UW Police

Divisions

The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) serves and protects the students, staff, faculty and all people and property within the jurisdiction of our community. See the Brief History of the UWPD for more information about our past.

Commissioned law enforcement officers are on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The UWPD has the exclusive responsibility to act upon law-enforcement matters and perform police functions for the Seattle campus of the University of Washington. Officers investigate all crimes and enforce federal, state and local laws as well as Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules within the University of Washington’s jurisdiction.

All sworn university peace officers have successfully completed training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy or equivalent training recognized by the commission. Many UWPD officers hold either an associate or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, community relations or other public service-related fields. In addition to this extensive training, the officers also attend additional functional training throughout the year.

Operations Division

This division includes:

  • Patrol Bureau – Operational Police Response on Campus, Special Events Planning, and Scheduling
  • Investigations, Training and Analysis Bureau – Detective, and Investigation Units, Ongoing Training and Community Engagement, Certification, and Data Analysis

Professional Accountability & Community Services Division

This division includes:

  • Technology Services Bureau – Information Technology, Communications Center
  • Community Protection and Security Services Bureau – Security Assessments & Planning, Community Protection, Police Facility Management, Fleet and Quartermaster Coordination
  • Professional Accountability Bureau – Internal Affairs, Background Investigations and Internal Audits and Inspections

Administrative Services & Human Resources Division

This division includes:

  • Administrative Support Bureau – Recruiting, Hiring, and Departmental HR Operations
  • Fiscal Operations Bureau – Fiscal Management of Department, and Budgeting

Business Continuity and Compliance Division

This division includes:

  • Press Information, Police Records and Public Disclosure
  • Compliance Bureau – Accreditation, Policy Management and Federal Compliance
  • External Relations, Business Continuity and Contracts