The University of Delaware’s commitment to campus safety is reflected by a significant reduction in crime. 

Since 2010, Part I crimes, such as robbery, burglary, theft and assault, have been reduced by 52 percent, and Part II crimes, such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, drug and alcohol violations, are down by 33 percent. In addition, on-campus vehicle collisions are down by almost 5 percent.

During 2016 specifically, Part I crimes were reduced by 13 percent, Part II crimes by 8 percent and motor vehicle collisions by 10 percent.  

According to UD Police Chief Patrick Ogden, these reductions are a direct result of not only the University’s pledge to safety but, more importantly, to its dedicated personnel who have tirelessly deployed innovative crime reduction strategies and community policing initiatives that focus on the safety and welfare of the public the department serves.

Ogden added that the investments in technology, professional development and community engagement have improved operational and investigative capabilities, which ultimately contributed to this noteworthy reduction in crime.

“UD Police officers focus on public safety by being visible and present in our community to prevent crime, enhance safety and, now more than ever, build trust with University stakeholders,” Ogden said. “Keeping this in mind, the agency is committed to transparency and accountability. This is why we are participating in the Police Foundation’s Public Safety Open Data Portal."

The Police Foundation’s Public Safety Open Data Portal is intended to serve as a central location for accessing, visualizing and analyzing local and national law enforcement and public safety open datasets.

The University of Delaware Police Department has created charts within its UDPD website allowing access to regularly updated reports of employee demographics, the department's community engagement and use-of-force incidents. Each report contains a printable and readable spreadsheet of important statistics in each category, along with a link to open data sets that can be analyzed and evaluated.

UD Police is one of 131 police agencies and only four university police agencies across the country who are participating in the Open Data Portal initiative.

Visit UD’s Open Data webpage here.

About UD Police

The University of Delaware Department of Public Safety changed its name to University of Delaware Police in fall 2015 to more accurately reflect the scope and impact of the unit's work. The department's mission remains the same: to create an environment where all members of the campus community and all visitors can feel safe to learn, work, live and visit.  

UD Police includes 50 sworn officers, one constable, 12 security officers and nine 911 dispatchers, as well as administrative personnel, part-time cadets and volunteer emergency medical technicians. Police officers are sworn law enforcement officers of the state of Delaware and are certified by the Delaware Council on Police Training. They have full investigative and arrest authority on campus, as well as some of the surrounding area, as provided by law.

The Patrol Division provides police services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Officers perform patrols in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles and provide rapid response to any incidents, investigate reports of criminal activity and interact with members of the campus community.

In addition, the department supports nearly 500 events each year, including home football games, basketball games, concerts, DUI checkpoints and Commencement, as well as providing security for VIP visitors and distinguished campus guests.

The department's Community Resource Unit (CRU) reaches out to the campus with officers on patrol on bikes, on foot and in vehicles. CRU presents programs on campus and in the surrounding area and assists other law enforcement agencies within the state with special initiatives.

CRU also administers the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program, which offers self-defense for all female students, faculty and staff, and the Community Police Academy, which provides citizens with the opportunity to learn about the department and to receive instruction on defensive tactics, crime scene management, evidence processing and target practice, among other topics. 

The UD Police Department is accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission.