University Communications

          The WVUPD Communications Division was known as security, established years ago with operations consisting of one dayshift dispatcher/operator. Officers filled in for dispatch on other shifts and days off. Later it progressed adding two additional dispatchers to cover three shifts, still operating with one co. The office consisted of one phone, handheld radio and documenting in hard copy form. In the early 2000’s three additional dispatchers were added as well as a few camera systems. In 2008 a system called In-Synch was adapted as the report writing and CAD system. Everything transitioned into electronic format. In 2012 the department moved into their current building at 992 Elmer Prince Drive from the Prete building on University Ave.  Currently the WVU Police Department Communications Center (UCOMM) has 18 dispatchers including a Lead and Center Manager. There are five dispatch stations with complex radio/phone systems and Zuercher CAD. There are approximately 1600 cameras throughout campus, panic/duress alarms and gates, all of which are monitored and operated from the Communications Center.

          WVU Police Department Communications Safety Officers are responsible for receiving and transmitting critical and non-emergency information via radio, phone and the LiveSafe app. Communications Safety Officers serve as support to Officers, administration as well as investigations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to; funds transactions, Incident report control with expungements and audits, facilities dispatch for emergency maintenance, after hours contact for other departments. In addition, customer service, receptionist and secretarial duties, answering general campus information questions. Conducting background checks for outside agencies such as the FBI and performing fingerprinting with Livescan for employment purposes. Communications Safety Officers are responsible for implementing the activation of the emergency alert system. Communications Safety Officers perform field assignments assisting with safety patrols, traffic and crowd control.

          Communications Safety Officers are responsible for taking all measures possible to ensure the safety of WVU Police Officers, Students, and the Campus community.