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
What types of educational programs are offered by Community Oriented Police officers and how can I arrange to attend?
A variety of educational programs are offered at a community level by the police department. During the 2008-2009 Academic year the Community Oriented Policing Program conducted 232 Educational Programs with 10,846 attendees. Common program topics include the following:
- Personal Safety
- Operation Identification
- Reporting a Crime & The Investigative Process
- Alcohol Awareness
- Drug Awareness
- Domestic Violence
Community Oriented Police officers may also coordinate other programming for their 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.
Meet Your Area COP
Lieutenant Connie Lee
COP Coordinator
Office Location: UAPD, New Hall
Telephone: 348 - COP7 (2677)
Lt. Lee graduated from the University of Alabama and has worked for the University most of her adult life. She has been with UAPD for sixteen years. She was the Rose Towers COP and a Tutwiler COP early in her police career and was the COP shift commander several years ago. She is happy to be back with the COP program and looks forward to a productive and rewarding year. When she is not at work, Lt. Lee enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and reading.
Officer Matt Wilsie
Paty Hall Area
Office Location: Paty Hall Lobby
Telephone: 348 - COP4 (2674)
Officer Wilsie is from Chattanooga TN. He came to Tuscaloosa in 1997 to attend the University of Alabama where he studied Criminal Justice. Officer Wilsie began his Law Enforcement career with Alabama Department of Corrections in August 2002 and became part of the University Police Department in July 2006. This is Officer Wilsie’s second year in the Community Oriented Police Program. Officer Wilsie enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
Officer Josh Kelley
Ridgecrest Area
Office Location: Ridgecrest South
Telephone: 348 - COP1 (2673)
Officer Josh Kelley was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. He joined the military in 1998 until returning home to attend college at the University of Alabama. Officer Kelley graduated the University of Alabama in 2004 with a degree in Criminal Justice and was commissioned by the UA ROTC as a 2LT in the Alabama National Guard. Officer Kelley began his Law Enforcement career with Taylor Hardin Secure Medical facility in 2005 and became part of the University of Alabama Police department in July 2006. This is Officer Kelley's second year in the Community Oriented Police Program. Officer Kelley enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Officer John Brown
Burke Hall Area
Office Location: Parham West
Telephone: 348 - COP2 (2672)
Officer John Brown grew up in Sumter County Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Brown has also served in the military in Iraq. He became a member of the University of Alabama Police Department in June 2005. This is his second year as a member of the Community Oriented Policing Unit. Officer Brown enjoys sports and physical activities.
Officer Vonda Collins
Colonial Area
Office Location: Tutwiler Hall Lobby
Telephone: 348 - COP1 (2671)
Officer Collins was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. She attended Wallace State Community College before transferring to the University of Alabama in 2001. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004 with a Criminal Justice Degree. Officer Collins began her Law Enforcement career with W.D. Partlow Developmental Center and became a part of the University of Alabama Police department in July 2007. This is Officer Collins first year in the Community Oriented Program. Officer Collins enjoys: Spending time with her son, fellowship with friends and family, playing softball, and life itself.
Officer Josh Rainey
Rose Towers Area
Office Location: Rose Towers
Telephone: 348 - COP1 (2676)
Officer Rainey grew up in Moundville , AL. He graduated from The University of Alabama in 2003 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Rainey joined The university of Alabama Police Department in July of 2006. This is Officer Rainey's first year in the Community Oriented Policing Program. Officer Rainey enjoys fishing and outdoor activities.