Campus Safety and Police offers patrol, crime prevention, security staff, and support to all members of the Elon community. Our department is committed to providing excellent police protection and fostering a secure atmosphere on Elon’s campus. Our mission is to ensure that Elon’s campus is safe and enjoyable for all who live, study, and work here.

In our community, we uphold these principles:

  • All people should be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Officers must strive to earn the community’s trust by the manner in which they conduct themselves.
  • The life, human rights, and property of all people must be protected.
  • An open exchange of information and ideas benefits both our department and the University community.
  • Elon University and each member of the department must support the mission for it to be accomplished.
  • Our department should strive to be progressive, receptive and innovative in the performance of our duties.

The Elon University Police Department (EUPD) follows an essentially pragmatic philosophy for policing. Therefore, the Police Department takes a practical approach, utilizing a variety of proven law enforcement techniques, to respond to the problems of crime and disorder in the community. The Police Department’s philosophy is informed by not only one, but several theories of policing combining the most effective elements of each to form a unified policing strategy.

Dual Accreditation

Elon University Campus Safety and Police Department is proud to be a dually accredited law enforcement agency, holding prestigious certifications from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). These dual credentials signify our department’s ongoing commitment to professional excellence, transparency, and the highest standards of public safety.

CALEA Accreditation: Often referred to as the ‘Gold Standard’ in public safety, CALEA accreditation ensures our department follows a comprehensive body of professional law enforcement standards. This process promotes efficient resource use, enhances service delivery, and provides a framework for improved management, accountability, and transparency.

IACLEA Accreditation: As the leading authority for campus public safety, IACLEA accreditation confirms that our agency conforms to the highest standards specifically designed for the unique needs of a campus environment. This certification focuses on critical campus issues, including emergency response, physical security, and Title IX coordination.

 

Achieving and maintaining these accreditations requires a rigorous self-assessment and a regular independent peer review of our policies, procedures, and daily operations.

Dual accreditation represents an elite, highly selective, and rare achievement among U.S. law enforcement agencies, signaling top-tier professional standards. This status indicates a dedication to best practices in accountability and operational excellence.

Problem-Solving Policing

Police service delivery tactics are based upon the identification and solving of crime, disorder, and social problems in the community:

  • EUPD actively identifies key problems in the community as the basis for the on-going proactive delivery of police services.
  • EUPD seeks an in-depth understanding of problems and their causes as the basis for crafting specific tactics.
  • EUPD actively seeks partnerships with other University Departments and community agencies as a means of solving crime and disorder problems, as well as providing education and outreach services.
  • Solving crime and disorder problems is an important measure of police effectiveness at Elon University.

Active Shooter Awareness

Text on screen reads ‘Avoid, Deny, Defend. Civilian response to active shooter events.’ The logo for Texas State University is displayed, indicating the video was produced by the university.The active shooter training video provides essential training on how to respond effectively in active shooter situations. Originally produced by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)™ Program at Texas State University, this resource is made available by Elon University to support the safety and preparedness of our campus community. The training emphasizes strategies to increase survivability during critical incidents, empowering individuals with actionable guidance.