University Police
Frequently Asked Questions
UNIVERSITY POLICE
Campus Safety
Crime Prevention
Emergency Alert Notification
931-372-3234
www.tntech.edu/police
The University Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality professional law enforcement and public safety services to the campus community. Service to Tennessee Tech’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors represents our top priority.
Are police officers working for the University Police Department “real cops?”
All police officers working for University Police are fully commissioned, law enforcement
officers of the State of Tennessee. They have exactly the same arrest authority as
other law enforcement officers in our area -- just like Cookeville Police Department
or the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. The only difference is jurisdiction –
all crimes committed on campus are handled by University Police. Crimes committed
off campus are handled by the law enforcement officers serving the jurisdiction where
the crime was committed.
How can I report an emergency situation on campus?
You can call 9-1-1 from any cell phone or University landline on campus. You can
call the police department directly at 931-372-3234. You can use any of the 20 blue
light emergency phones located across campus that will directly connect you to emergency
personnel any time, day or night. University Police works very closely with Putnam
County Emergency Management Services to make sure appropriate law enforcement, fire,
and/or emergency medical services are dispatched as needed along with University police
to any incident on campus.
How will I be informed of an emergency situation on campus?
Buildings on campus are equipped with alarms and a public address system that allows
emergency personnel to identify threats to public safety and notify building occupants
of any necessary action. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff can receive emergency
alert notifications through social media and/or texts by signing up for the TTUAlert
system. The Tennessee Tech web page also displays a banner indicating any emergency
situation on campus.
Are University employees allowed to carry handguns on campus?
Yes, if certain criteria and circumstances are met. The Chief of Police will conduct
an interview and registration process for any employee who would like to carry a handgun
on campus to complete the necessary paperwork and go over the restrictions that apply
while on campus property and attending University-sponsored events.
What should I do if I am involved in or witness a car accident on campus?
Immediately call the University Police at 372-3234 to report the accident. Do not
move vehicles until an officer arrives on scene and instructs you it is safe to do
so.
I have lost my keys or other state property. What do I need to do?
You will need to contact University Police to file a police report. This will need
to be done before replacement keys are issued by Facilities. Please remember that
if you have a situation on campus (lost or stolen property of any kind, any criminal
incident, a vehicular accident) that requires police assistance, you can call us any
time, day or night, at 372-3234 and we will dispatch an officer to you immediately.