Police Division

The University of Northern Iowa Department of Public Safety Police Division is the official law enforcement authority for the university. More than 25 fully certified, sworn police officers and dispatchers provide a variety of services to the community on a 24-hour basis. Trained full and part-time employees supplement agency operations. Pursuant to state statutes, University of Northern Iowa police officers possess full powers to detain, investigate, and arrest. Jurisdictional authority is state-wide in matters involving UNI. Mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement agencies may result in the extension of enforcement authority beyond university boundaries.

University of Northern Iowa police officers continue to receive the same training and certification as officers at police units throughout the state. Our primary goal is to provide the highest level of safety.

The Police Division protects life and property, prevents crime and enforces laws and regulations. The varied needs of the diverse university community are served through a commitment to education and training.  Police officers present dozens of programs annually on crime prevention, victims rights, self defense and alcohol education. In addition to educating the community, the Department of Public Safety seeks proactive solutions to crime and safety threats.  Officers partner with community groups and other law enforcement agencies to reduce traffic dangers, respond to sexual assaults and prevent property crime.

Department Recognition

UNI's Department of Public Safety was recognized for its effective approach to gender-based violence on campus at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference in Philadelphia, Pa., on Oct. 25, 2003. The award recognized outstanding community policing practices by agencies representing jurisdictions of all sizes. Five winners and 10 finalists were selected from more than 94 entries representing communities and agencies around the world.  The UNI DPS award was for agencies serving communities up to 20,000 persons and was one of only two colleges or universities recognized in 2003.  The recognition was a result of the department's efforts to combat gender-based violence since 2000, when the University of Northern Iowa applied for and received a federal grant to address gender-based violence in a comprehensive manner.

Department History

Until the late 1960's, UNI campus safety and security needs were served by night watchmen and the City of Cedar Falls Police.  Faced with unrest on University campuses, the Iowa Board of Regents petitioned the legislature and was granted a request to upgrade campus Security Guards to Special Security officers with significant law enforcement responsibilities.

Over the last 30 years, the needs of the community and standards for law enforcement have changed and evolved.  Today, all UNI Officers are now fully state-certified Police officers, trained and commissioned as peace officers by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council.