MUPD watches all MU property

The Marshall University Police Department's jurisdiction can be confusing to some people. However, Chief Jim Terry, director of public safety is not confused.

Terry said MUPD's jurisdiction is "any property owned or controlled by Marshall University and adjacent highways and streets." This includes all buildings on campus and property such as the John Marshall Medical Center and the Marshall University Graduate College in South Charleston.

MUPD's jurisdiction changes every time Marshall buys new property or leases a building. "When Hunitngton Civic Arena is leased for graduation then that becomes part of MUPD's jurisdiction," Terry said.

According to Terry, if an MUPD officer witnesses a crime in progress off campus grounds that officer will intervene. However, if the crime takes place off property owned by Marshall University then it is the responsibility of Huntington Police Department officers to take the official police report.

For example, if an MUPD officer is driving down Eighth Avenue and witnesses a suspect breaking into a car that officer will attempt to stop the suspect. However, if a person discovers that their car, which is parked on Seventh Avenue, has been broken into then that person would need to call Huntington Police Department to file a report.

Also, suspects can not avoid arrest by simply leaving University grounds. MUPD officers can pursue a suspect off campus to make an arrest.

A total of twenty MUPD officers patrol Marshall University property. The officers patrol campus on foot, in police cruisers and on golf carts. The officers also patrol University Heights on Route 60 and the John Marshall Medical Centers on Hal Greer Boulevard and in the city of Wayne.

A MUPD officer has the same authority as a city police officer. The officer must complete a sixteen week training program at the West Virginia State Police Academy.