Public Safety and Police Services: Chief's Message

Thank you for looking at our web site. You will find that important information about safety, crime prevention, statistics, crime alerts, photos and many more features are just a click away. Please take a moment to explore by clicking on any of the highlighted areas in the left column or on links highlighted throughout the text.

The Department of Public Safety mission partially states "a partnership with the University community to protect life, property, prevent crime and resolve problems." While this mission statement has been around a few years, nothing better describes our vital role in supporting the university-wide mission of teaching students. The Department of Public Safety is the primary contributor to the safe learning and living environment of the campus. We accomplish our goals through partnerships, especially with students that take an interest in reducing and preventing crime.

In assessing the quantity and scope of the work we perform, it is evident the department is more than just a policing agency. The problem-solving mission includes policing, parking, information and education. This leads to numerous opportunities to serve our campus in many non-traditional means. My staff serve on committees, coordinate major events, handle press releases, write emergency preparedness plans, train employees, and a host of other activities. Because of our unique responsibilities we often interact with many departments on campus and provide support necessary to facilitate their work

As we look into the future of Central Washington University there is no doubt that the role of the Department of Public Safety and Police Services will continue beyond the current scope. Along with traditional responsibilities we will have a variety of new tasks that will touch on all of the university divisions from academics to marketing. We have started in that direction already through increased cooperation with Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, partnering with local law enforcement, encouraging student recruiting and retention and many other facets of university life.

We continue to embrace a community policing style of law enforcement that empowers the community and the police to resolve problems. We are asking for you to join us as we continue to cooperatively police our campus in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Steve Rittereiser
Chief of Police