By virtue of West Virginia state law, University Police Officers have the same responsibilities and authority as that of any other law enforcement officers in the State. Uniformed officers provide 24-hour-a-day patrol protection to the campus, adjacent University-owned facilities and parking lots.

University police officers must satisfactorily complete the sixteen (16) week mandatory basic police training course and be certified as law enforcement officers in the state of West Virginia. All officers receive training in numerous public safety and law enforcement-related subjects and additional in-service and specialized training in firearms, criminal investigation, legal matters, patrol procedures, etc.

Officers are responsible for a full range of public safety and law enforcement related services including the investigation of all crime reports, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, traffic accidents, enforcement of state laws and all other incidents requiring police assistance within our jurisdiction which includes all University owned or controlled properties and/or all properties under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Board of Trusties.

The Office of Public Safety prepares and submits a monthly report of incidents through a statewide system of crime reporting. These figures routinely become a part of the F.B.I.’s Annual Uniform Crime Report. As a means of better coordinating law enforcement efforts in the immediate area, we share information on arrests and all serious crimes with the Huntington Police Department and Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Serial numbers of vehicles, office equipment and other items of value stolen in our jurisdiction are reported through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

All emergencies, criminal complaints, general requests for service and public safety concerns can be reported directly to the Office of Public Safety by any person in the University community. Dialing 4357 (HELP) from any University phone, or by using one of the emergency/service phones located throughout the campus, will provide direct contact with the police dispatcher 24 hours a day.

MUPD Mission Statement

The mission of the Marshall University Police Department of Public Safety is to enhance and support an environment of safety and security for the students, staff, faculty, administration, and visitors of Marshall University through the conscientious provision of professional service.

  1. We must continually reinforce ethical decisions and behavior.
  2. We must treat all individuals with respect and dignity at all times, regardless of status.
  3. The United States Constitution and the Constitution for the State of West Virginia must be defended, and the laws and rules for the State of West Virginia, the County of Cabell, the City of Huntington, and Marshall University must be fairly and equitably enforced using discretion and good judgement while keeping with the spirit and intent of those laws and rules.
  4. We must provide the campus community with access to the criminal justice and social service support systems to ensure that their requests are handled appropriately.
  5. We must place an emphasis on education and technology to prevent crimes and unsafe behavior.
  6. We must strive for excellence through and emphasis on education, training, development of skills, use of equipment/technology, and encouraging creative and innovative ideas with result-oriented solutions.
  7. We must always look to the future.
  8. We must be an integral part of the community and have a commitment to community service.
  9. The Department must act as a team with self and collective identities and responsibilities.