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UNCW Police FAQ

About Us

Learn more about how UNCW and the UNCW Police Department work together to support a safe campus. Explore answers about emergency response and notifications, safety technology, reporting options, personal safety resources, and the standards that guide our approach to campus safety.

Explore Our FAQ

UNCW takes a comprehensive approach to campus safety that includes 24/7 law enforcement coverage, emergency communications, safety technology, education and preparedness programs, and partnerships across the university community.

The UNCW Police Department serves as the university’s primary law enforcement and security agency.

Yes. UNCW Police operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact UNCW Police at 910.962.2222.

Students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in UNCW's campus emergency notification system. Emergency communications may provide information and instructions related to situations affecting campus safety, including severe weather, closures and other emergencies.

For more information, visit the Emergency & Safety webpage.

The UNCW Alert Safety app is a free mobile app provided in partnership with the UNCW Police Department (UPD). The UNCW Alert app is on the SafeZone platform, which allows students and staff to access real-time communication with UPD in the event of an emergency. Utilizing location sharing only when you need assistance, the UNCW Alert app enables quick and effective support. The UNCW Alert app is also used to share notifications about threatening weather, building or campus closures, and other emergencies that may occur.

The app does not allow UNCW Police to continuously track its users. The UNCW Alert app must access your location in order to allow you to raise alerts, check in or use a check-in timer. Your location is only shared when you raise an alert, check in or use the check-in timer. Even then, your location is only shared with your organization’s team of professional responders. Your right to privacy is always respected and you can cancel any alert or check-in at any time.

For more information, visit the UNCW Alert Safety App webpage.

The UNCW Police Department does not use or contract with Flock Safety cameras. Outside agencies should not deploy cameras on university property without UNCW's knowledge and consent.

UNCW Parking utilizes License Plate Recognition equipment to ensure all vehicles on campus are parked in assigned spaces. For more information, visit UNCW Parking FAQs.

Yes. UNCW provides options for anonymously reporting information to University Police. The UNCW Alert Safety App also allows users to submit non-urgent tips anonymously and include information such as photos or a location when appropriate.

UNCW Police offers several resources designed to support personal safety, including safety escorts, emergency call boxes and phones, and the UNCW Alert Safety App. The app's check-in timer can also be used when an individual is walking alone or feels vulnerable on campus.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity or safety concerns. In an emergency or situation involving an immediate threat, call 911. Non-emergency concerns may be reported directly to UNCW Police at 910.962.2222 or through available university reporting resources.

UNCW Police is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), requiring the department to meet more than 190 professional standards and undergo annual reviews to maintain its accreditation. The voluntary accreditation process focuses on areas including accountability, transparency, operational effectiveness and consistent delivery of public safety services.