Community Oriented Policing is a philosophy of full-service, personalized policing where the same officer is assigned to a specific geographical area on a permanent basis, working in a proactive partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems. Officers work out of satellite offices located within the communities they serve. The focus of community oriented policing is not simply on responding to crime, but on preventing crime and resolving community problems. The philosophy rests on the belief that the police and the community must work together as partners to solve the contemporary challenges faced in today's society. Community Oriented Police Officers are empowered with the autonomy and freedom to act as needed in order to implement and participate in community-based problem solving efforts. Officers work closely with other organizations and community groups to educate community members about potential hazards they may encounter and how to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, to identify the problems, concerns and fears of community members, to identify and eliminate hazards that may promote crime or disorder, and to improve the overall quality of life in the community.


Educational Programming

Community Oriented Police Officers offer a variety of programs in their respective areas. If you would like to schedule a program for your group or residential area or desire more information about a particular topic, contact your area Community Oriented Police Officer. 

A variety of educational programs are offered at a community level by the police department. During the 2010-2011 academic year, the University Police along with the Community Oriented Policing Program conducted 324 Educational Programs with 24,500 attendees. Common program topics include the following: 

  • Personal Safety
  • Operation ID
  • Alcohol Awareness
  • Drug Awareness
  • Conflict Resolution
  • New Student Orientation

Meet Your Area COP

 

Lt. Dennis McMillian
COP Commander
Office Location: UAPD
Telephone: 348 - COPS (2677)

 

 

 

 

 

Officer Josh Rainey
Paty Hall Area
Office Location: Paty Hall
Telephone: 348 - COP4 (2674)

Officer Josh Rainey was born and raised in Moundville, AL. Officer Rainey attended The University of Alabama and received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Rainey joined The University of Alabama Police Department in July of 2006 and was the Rose Towers COP for the 2009-2010 school year. Officer Rainey enjoys spending time with friends during his off time.

 

Officer Daniel Pate
Ridgecrest Area
Office Location: Ridgecrest South
Telephone: 348 - COP3 (2673)

Officer Daniel Pate was born in Tuscaloosa and resided in several different states until 1999 when he moved back to Tuscaloosa. Officer Pate attended both Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama where he studied Ecology and Education. Officer Pate graduated from the University of Alabama with a New College Degree in May 2006. He began working for the University of Alabama Police Department in July 2006. Officer Pate graduated from the APOST Law Enforcement Academy Tuscaloosa in 2006 and completed Basic SWAT School in August 2008. He has been attached to the Tuscaloosa Metro Special Response Team for 3 years; he is currently in his first year as a COP Officer. Officer Pate has been married for 4 years and enjoys running, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, swimming, and spending time with his family.

 

FTO Chad Stephens
Rose Towers Area
Office Location: Rose Towers
Telephone: 348 - COP6 (2676)

FTO Chad Stephens grew up in Livingston, AL and attended the University of West Alabama and the Alabama Fire College.  In 1997, FTO Stephens began his law enforcement career with the Livingston Department of Public Safety and in 2002, became a Deputy with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.  In December 2004, FTO Stephens was awarded a Certificate of Merit for rendering outstanding and unselfish service to the citizens of Tuscaloosa County.  In October of 2006, FTO Stephens joined the University of Alabama Police Department.  FTO Stephens recently became a father and enjoys spending time with his family and traveling with his wife.

 

Officer Mark Cunningham
Colonial Area
Office Location: Tutwiler Hall
Telephone: 348 - COP1 (2671)

Officer Mark Cunningham was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL.  He attended the University of Alabama in 1997 and graduated the APOST Law Enforcement Academy at the University.  Officer Cunningham completed 15 years of law enforcement with the Northport Police Department prior to beginning service at the University of Alabama in 2006.  Officer Cunningham has served in numerous specialized units during his career, including Special Response, Motorcycles, and Criminal Investigations. Officer Cunningham was awarded the Exchange Club Officer of the Year Award in 2005. Officer Cunningham also instructs the UA women’s self defense program.  He enjoys spending time with his family, riding motorcycles and helping others.

 

Officer Van Boyles
Burke Hall Area
Office Location: Mary Burke West
Telephone: 348 - COP2 (2672)

It is with great sadness that the University of Alabama Police Department announces that Officer Van Boyles died Monday, March 19, 2012, at his home.  He is survived by his wife Regina and daughter Elizabeth (Lizzy).    

Van Boyles was a lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa.  He graduated from Central High School in 1989 and went to the University of Alabama, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Community Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Counselor Education.  He had a special place in his heart for mentally and physically challenged individuals and worked for many years in the mental health profession with the University of Alabama and Partlow Developmental Center.  Van entered law enforcement in 2002 as a member of the Tuscaloosa Police Department.  He joined the University of Alabama Police Department in 2006 and currently served in the department’s community policing unit.  Van’s presence will be greatly missed in our community.  He was dedicated to his position with UAPD and to the University.  We appreciate his hard work and commitment to University of Alabama as we mourn his loss.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Boyles Family Fund” at the Alabama Credit Union.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as his colleagues at UAPD and throughout the University.