Albany State University Police Department

Arrest Powers of Campus Police Officers and Security Personnel

According to Georgia state law, O.C.G.A.§20-8-2, on the campus of an educational facility, a campus policeman employed by such educational facility who is certified in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-8-3 and when authorized by the governing body or authority of such educational facility shall have the same law enforcement powers, including the power of arrest, as a law enforcement officer of the local government with police jurisdiction over such campus.

According to Georgia state law, O.C.G.A.§ 20-3-72, Albany State University Police officers the authority to make arrests for crimes committed upon any property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and for offenses committed upon any public or private property within 500 yards of any property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.  If an offense occurs within the officers’ jurisdiction, they can leave this area to pursue the offender.

 

Specialized Training

At Albany State University, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our campus community. We strive to create an environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can learn, work, and thrive without fear or concern for their well-being. Albany State University Police Department utilizes a multifaceted approach to facilitate safety and security on our East, West, and Cordele campuses. Albany State University has employed an experienced, full-service police department, with police officers, 9-1-1 communications officers, and security personnel on duty 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.  Albany State University Police Officers are the first responders to all campus emergencies and are supported by a team of investigators, administrative personnel, and a collaborative partnership with local police agencies, as well as state and federal agencies, to ensure the safety and security of our campus community. 

Our officers are highly trained professionals who are committed to protecting and serving the campus community with integrity, respect, and compassion. We work diligently to prevent crime, respond swiftly to emergencies, and address concerns in a timely and effective manner.

As mandated by Georgia state law, O.C.G.A. §20-8-3, all police officers in Georgia must successfully complete the 408-hour basic police academy training in order to earn certification through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. 

As mandated by Georgia state law, O.C.G.A. §38-8-23, all 9-1-1 Communications Officers must successfully complete a 40-hour training to obtain certification as a Communications Officer through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).

These mandates provide an important foundation for the department to build upon. All members of the Albany State University Police Department receive specialized training beyond the state-mandated requirements for maintaining their certifications. Officer training remains relevant to the dynamics of our changing world, ensuring officers have the knowledge and skills to resolve situations they encounter while on duty. Examples include an ongoing emphasis on community policing, crime prevention, cultural diversity, de-escalation techniques, training in firearms qualifications, first-aid, CPR, Stop-the-Bleed, emergency administration of Naloxone/Narcan, Active Shooter Training, FEMA, GEMA, NIMS, and Crisis Intervention Training.  Albany State University Police Officers and 9-1-1 Communications Officers are educated using the nationally recognized 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training curriculum, which has long been the foundation of our behavioral health crisis response efforts. The goal of the CIT program is to reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions, improve public and officer safety, and help those living with behavioral health conditions obtain treatment. The course strongly emphasizes de-escalation strategies and the development of partnerships with on campus and local support resources. Albany State University Police Department recognizes proficiency in these areas is crucial and facilitates our ability to meet the needs of our community. 

 

Vision Statement

Albany State University Police Department will become a premier campus police agency by deploying innovative industry standards, security and police strategies. The Albany State University Police Department will equip students, faculty, staff, and community members with the best systems, practices, and networks to achieve the highest quality of safety standards. Our committed efforts will result in an improved awareness and preparedness to campus safety through implementing safe campus initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and increasing professional development opportunities.

Mission Statement

Albany State University Police Department will support the mission and guiding principles of Albany State University by promoting a safe and secure higher education environment. Albany State University Police Department will build partnerships to identify and implement solutions for improving the quality of life based on the best practices of campus law enforcement.