Campus Policing

Forums to discuss possibility of arming campus police

Three open campus forums will be held in February and March to discuss the issue of arming campus police officers. For the past year, with the help of an advisory group of students, faculty and staff, university leaders have been researching, analyzing and discussing the issue of arming UOPD police officers. (full story)

How and when did UO public safety become a police department?

The University of Oregon Police Department is responsible for safety and law enforcement on campus and other UO properties. It operates 24 hours per day, year-round. Officers patrol the campus on foot, by bicycle and vehicle, and are responsible for campus safety, crime prevention and law enforcement. (full story)

UOPD sets its priorities with help from campus partners

UO Police Department (UOPD) is a campus department and is separate from the Eugene Police Department and all other local law enforcement agencies. That distinction is important to Interim Chief Carolyn McDermed. “UOPD exists to serve students and campus community members,” she said. (full story)

Should UOPD be armed?

The question about arming UO police officers can be decided by the State Board of Higher Education if UO President Michael Gottfredson chooses to forward a recommendation for its consideration. Currently, UO officers do not have the authorization to carry firearms, which sets the UO apart from other universities. (full story)

Q&A with Carolyn McDermed, Interim Chief of UOPD

Why did you choose law enforcement as a profession?

I went to college to be a veterinarian. I moved to San Diego and job opportunities working with large animals were scarce. On a dare, I applied at the San Diego Police Department at a time when they were actively recruiting women into the police force. (full story)

Hiring and training officers for campus environment

Police officers at the University of Oregon are the same as those at other Oregon law enforcement agencies – except that they're different. UO Police Department officers have the same professional standards, requirements and authorities as any police in the state. But they're also chosen for their specific aptitude toward working well in a university environment. (full story)