Units
Patrol
The Patrol Unit provides law enforcement and public safety services to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether patrolling campus by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, officers respond to emergencies and calls for service, conduct initial investigations, enforce state laws and university regulations, secure campus property, provide traffic enforcement, and engage with the campus community. Through proactive patrols and community-oriented policing, the Patrol Unit is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students, employees, affiliates, and visitors.
Campus Safety Officers
Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) play an important role in enhancing the safety and security of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga community. As non-sworn members of the Department, CSOs provide a highly visible presence, conducting routine patrols of University buildings, residence halls, parking lots, and other University facilities. They assist with building security, report suspicious activity and maintenance concerns, provide safety escorts, support special events, and serve as additional eyes and ears for the Department.
Communications
Communications Unit serves as the primary point of contact for the UTC Police Department, providing 24/7 emergency and non-emergency communications support for the campus community. Communications Officers receive calls for service, dispatch police and other public safety personnel, monitor alarm systems, and coordinate responses to incidents as they occur. The Communications Unit also maintains direct communication with local, state, and federal public safety agencies and has access to state and national law enforcement databases, enabling personnel to provide officers with critical information and resources.
Community Engagement & K9
The Community Engagement & K9 Unit strengthens relationships between the UTC Police Department and the campus community through outreach, education, and proactive engagement. The unit develops programs that promote safety, build trust, and encourage open communication between officers and students, employees, affiliates, and visitors. The Community Engagement unit participates in campus events, provides crime prevention and safety education, supports victims and those in need, and collaborates with University departments and community partners. The unit includes the department's Therapy K9, Sgt Sophie, who promotes wellness, reduces stress, and fosters positive interactions while serving as a resource during outreach events, crisis response, and community programs.
Investigations
The Investigations Unit is responsible for conducting thorough investigations of criminal incidents reported on or affecting the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Investigators work to identify suspects; collect and preserve evidence; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; and obtain and serve warrants. The unit also manages department evidence, conducts background investigations, and collaborates with University departments and community partners to ensure a coordinated response to incidents and support for those impacted by crime.
Special Events
The Special Events Unit is responsible for planning and coordinating public safety operations for athletic events, commencement ceremonies, and University-sponsored activities held on the UTC campus or at University-controlled facilities. The Special Events Unit is also responsible for the safety and security of external activities utilizing University facilities. Working closely with event organizers and public safety partners, the unit develops comprehensive operations and traffic management plans, coordinates staffing, and ensures appropriate law enforcement, security, medical, and safety coverage, ensuring events are safe, secure, and enjoyable for participants and visitors.