The University of Alabama Police Department serves the campus community every day with an unwavering commitment to safety and protection. Here are five things you may not know about UAPD.
1. It began in 1946.
When student enrollment increased by more than 5,000 at the end of World War II, UA administrators saw a need to start a police department to help keep students safe. Allen Rayfield was hired as the first police chief, and he hired three officers.
(Photo: The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections.)
2. Police officers wore blazers.
In the early 1970s, following a trend that swept the nation, University police officers traded their traditional police uniforms for slacks, ties and blazers. Instead of a metal badge, they wore an embroidered patch.
Police departments around the U.S. would revert to a more official style of police uniform by the late ’70s after studies showed the public did not highly regard officers who were not in uniform.
(Photo: The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections)
3. UAPD has grown.
From its humble beginnings in 1946, UAPD has grown to almost 100 sworn officers who patrol the campus area 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All officers are certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and have full arrest powers throughout the state of Alabama.
4. SRAs keep an eye on campus.
In addition to sworn officers, UAPD also employs about 50 Security Resources Assistants who constantly patrol the campus and monitor security cameras.
5. 21st century policing happens on campus.
The UAPD Regional Evidence Analysis & Cyber-Intelligence Team, or UAPD-REACT, provides computer and mobile device forensics and investigations for UA and other law enforcement agencies. UAPD-REACT works with public safety and federal partners to ensure the safety of the UA campus community. They are part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force.
