The DeSales University Police Department is located in the Lawless Center. The office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Communications Center is located on the first floor.
To report a non-emergency or request assistance on the DeSales University campus, call the University Police at extension 1250 from any campus phone or 610.282.1100, ext. 1250 from an off-campus, cellular or pay phone.
The University Police and Public Safety Department is made up of sworn/commissioned police officers, non-sworn public safety officers, and non-sworn parking authority officers. The department currently consists of nine full-time staff members and six part time officers. The full-time staff includes the following positions: a director of police, public safety and security, a police corporal, a parking authority supervisor, dispatchers, office assistant, police officers, and public safety officers.
DeSales University Police provide the college community with protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
DeSales sworn police officers have completed police academy training as prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission. In addition, police officers receive 12 hours of in-service training and legal updates annually at the Allentown Police Academy. Non-sworn officers receive training in areas such as patrol, building security, key control, medical emergencies, hazardous wastes, and initial investigation procedures. All officers receive training in First Aid/First Responder, CPR and the use of AED's (automated external defibrillators). Department personnel regularly attend conferences and seminars relevant to their duties.
This department provides law enforcement and security services to all components of DeSales University. DeSales University Police Department personnel derive their authority from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the provisions of the Private Police Act. The Department's police officers have the same authority to detain and arrest as municipal police officers. The primary jurisdiction of DeSales University Police includes property owned, leased or otherwise under the control of DeSales University. University Police personnel are officials of the University with occupational responsibilities for safety, security and traffic control and enforcement. DeSales University Police Department has a strong working relationship with the Upper Saucon Township Police Department. The two departments work together to investigate and resolve cases involving DeSales University community members each year. Additionally, University Police work very closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as appropriate elements of the criminal justice system.
The DeSales University Police Department has access through the Lehigh County Communications Center to criminal records, wanted persons, stolen property and vehicle information. All crimes reported to DeSales Police are thoroughly investigated and are referred for prosecution through the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office when appropriate. Criminal matters involving students may also be referred to the University administration for disciplinary action. |
