Welcome to The University of Alabama campus. The University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD) currently maintains 87 authorized, full-time sworn positions and 21 full-time civilian employees. UAPD has four major areas of responsibility: Operations, Administration, Support and Special Services. Each area is committed to working with the University community to maintain a safe environment for the 1.5 square mile campus that includes over 300 buildings, and over 37,000 students, faculty and staff. The University of Alabama Police Department is led by Police Chief John Hooks. Chief Hooks oversees the four divisions that comprise the University of Alabama Police Department to ensure that all students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus remain safe and secure during their time at the University of Alabama. Chief Hooks tasks every officer and civilian employee of the University of Alabama Police Department to perform their duties with pride, professionalism and excellence.

Mission Statement

To partner with members of the University community to maintain an environment of safety conducive to the accomplishment and fulfillment of The University of Alabama’s overall mission by providing information and services that enhance personal safety and protect resources.

Vision Statement

To be a department that continuously improves the quality of service provided to the University community by emphasizing the prevention of crime through effective use of information technology, personal communication skills, and professional standards.

Values Statement

The University of Alabama Police Department strives for its members to be honest, ethical, and professional. The department seeks to safeguard individual rights and to treat all with respect and courtesy.

History

Since the founding of The University of Alabama in 1831, the security of the University properties was generally the responsibility of students, faculty, and night watchmen. In 1946, The University of Alabama formed a police department by the hiring of a chief and three police officers. Training consisted of one month under the tutelage of the chief, after which, the officers had arrest powers. The department was originally located in an office in Woods Hall, and then relocated to a small room in the Union building in 1947.

University Police moved to Gorgas Hall in the mid 1960s and remained there until October 2005. UAPD moved to New Hall in 2005 and later to the 700 Buiding (old Capstone Medical) in 2011. In June 2012, University Police moved to their new headquarters, University Police Center, located at 1110 Jackson Avenue.

In 1998, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. accredited the department’s police function. University police officers are granted arrest powers under state law and are certified by the State of Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Typically, a new police officer receives 280 hours of orientation training, 480 hours of training at the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy, 440 hours of field training and evaluation before beginning a 1,040 hour probationary period.