DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT 2023-2024

CALLS FOR SERVICE

The Department responded to a total of 13,429 calls for service between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. Among them were:

INCIDENT REPORTS

An incident report is completed for any situation where a crime may have been committed, any response to an alarm on campus, calls for medical situations, reports of accidents, and where officers investigate suspicious circumstances. During the 2023-2024 academic year, officers completed 3,052 incident reports. 

LOST AND FOUND

The Department received 533 items of found property. Many of these items were able to be returned to their rightful owner. Unclaimed property is sold at the annual Public Safety Found Property Auction, which is held in conjunction with National Campus Crime Awareness Month each September. This year the auction proceeds of $4,144.00 were donated to the Villanova University “Rainy Day Fund”. This fund is administered through the Office for Multicultural Affairs.

TRAINING

In-service training is offered throughout the year. In addition, police officers must successfully complete mandatory training provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that all police officers throughout the State must complete. In addition, the Department issues Daily Training Bulletins which function as refreshers to Departmental policies and procedures. Officers completed 5,850 DTB’s during this academic year. Training topics for the 2023-2024 year include:

Communications Officers (dispatchers) received specialized training on the following topics:

Emotional and Psychological Disorders, handling Missing Children, Bomb Threats, Dispatcher Liability and Legal Issues, Basic Telephone Skills, Enhancing Work Relationships, Career Professionalism, Computer Security Basics, Dealing with Angry Employees, Ethics in Public Service, Time Management Skills, Developing Effective Communication Skills.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

The Department prides itself in its outreach and connection with the University community. During the 23/24 academic year, the Department implemented and introduced the Villanova Community Canine Program. K9 Taffy has been utilized with the campus community members and has presented and been present at over 100 events and programs on campus since inception. The Mobile Treat Unit and Taffy established community request forms and have been very successful with engaging the campus community. The Department also continued hosting an intern from the VU United Scholars program, a certificate program offered by the University for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Department took part in approximately 100 community outreach initiatives during the academic year. These included Meet and Greet events, Self Defense and Personal Safety, suicide prevention, Pizza with the Police, Active Shooter presentations, Ice Cream socials, Black Student Union BBQ event, new employee orientation, and RA orientation. The Department also in several outside community events hosted by the Pennsylvania State Police as well as outside private organizations and local area schools.

Several officers and staff participated in the University’s annual Halloween Tent and Treat Event, as well as with Special Olympics events, conducting team outreach, participating in closing ceremonies, and watching competitions.

Two hallmark events that occur annually are the National Crime Prevention Awareness Day and Clothesline Project events. National Crime Prevention Awareness Day is held annually each year in September. The Department does table events throughout campus and actively works to engage students as the school year gets underway. The Clothesline Project, held each April, is a compilation of t-shirts designed by those effected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. 

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

From July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024, the Department investigated one complaint against an officer. The complaint alleged bias and was determined to be unsubstantiated. 

CCTV SYSTEMS

The Department is responsible for the installation and maintenance of all CCTV systems across campus. During the 2023-2024 academic year, 205 new cameras were installed throughout campus. 

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

For the 2023-2024 school year, the Parking Department issued 8222 permits to students, faculty, and staff. Parking Officers wrote 7550 tickets and booted 156 vehicles. 35 vehicles were towed from campus during the past year. The Department provided 5,599 transport to individuals with limited mobility. The University van fleet of 40 passenger vans made 3,884 trips and traveled 212, 271 miles. 

STAFFING

The Department experienced 6 separations at various ranks due to retirements, resignations, and terminations throughout the year. Some vacancies were created when officers were promoted into a higher rank. Some personnel were promoted to various vacant positions and 10 new external candidates were hired for the various vacant positions.