The Sewanee Police Department provides 24-hour-a-day patrol protection to the campus, University property, parking lots, residence halls, and fraternities and sororities. Sewanee police officers are vested with full law enforcement powers and responsibilities and receive additional in-service training yearly; Sewanee Police have the power to arrest in the State of Tennessee.
Officers are responsible for a full range of public safety services, including all crime reports, investigations, traffic accidents, enforcement of laws regulating underage drinking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and all other incidents requiring police assistance. Sewanee Police officers are empowered with arrest and investigation authority off central campus. The police routinely investigate crimes committed in non-university operated off-campus housing, neighborhood and business areas surrounding campus. The university operates no off-campus housing or organizational facilities. The Sewanee Police are in regular contact with and work in conjunction with police agencies surrounding the University Domain.
Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported directly by any student, faculty, or staff member. For speed in accessing the police department, a Communication Center is in place on the campus and an E-911 county system will provide contact with the police dispatcher 24 hours a day for an emergency. In non-emergency situations, dial 931-598-1111 (or ext. 1111 on campus).
The Sewanee Police Department is comprised of eleven full time sworn officers including command staff, four full time dispatchers, and several part time officers and dispatchers. We serve The University of the South and surrounding community. All of our full time officers are sworn, commissioned police officers and additionally are deputized by the Franklin County Sheriff. Sewanee Police Officers have full arrest powers in the State of Tennessee.
LiveSafe, a mobile-safety technology for the University’s community, empowers students, University employees, and campus visitors to take charge of their own safety and to look out for those around them.
University Policy Guide, Report an Incident, Lost and Found, What to do if, and Safety & Security Tips for students.
Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D.) is a program designed to teach self-defense tactics and techniques. The Sewanee Police Department hosts classes at different times throughout the year.
The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and visitors is a foremost concern. Among the best protections against campus crime are a strong law enforcement presence, an aware and alert community, a commitment to reporting suspicious activities, and the use of common sense in our daily lives. We define success in the daily actions of the people who respond to the challenges that arise in our community.
The Annual Notifications Campus Security and Fire Safety Report complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, and other federal laws. This report is prepared by a team representing various departments: Sewanee Police Department, Office for Risk Management and Institutional Effectiveness, Office of Institutional Research, Dean of Students Office, Office of General Counsel, and Office of Marketing and Communications.
A compiled list of answers to our more frequently asked questions.
The University encourages students and employees to be responsible for their own safety and the security of their property. The high visibility of the SPD is an effective deterrent to criminal activity. Additionally, within each constituency the University offers periodic information, training, or reminders about crime prevention and alerts to elevate awareness.
If you have lost or misplaced your bicycle complete the lost bike report. If your bicycle has not been located within 7 days it is recommended that a theft report be completed with the Sewanee Police Department.
The Sewanee Police Department provides a variety of forms and processes to request services and/or permissions. Please use the appropriate form for more information.
The Sewanee Police Department wants to ensure the safety of all faculty and staff members at the University. We strive to maintain a safe learning and work environment for our community.
Most students live on the campus of the University of the South and either walk or bike around the campus. There are a large number of visitors to the campus who enjoy biking and hiking in the area who add to the pedestrian and bicycle traffic already on campus.
The University encourages all crimes and emergencies to be reported by calling 911. Non-emergency safety and security matters should be reported by calling the SPD at 598.1111 or by submitting an online form, which is routed to several of the above individuals for their response.
To secure the necessary traffic and crowd control measures, persons or organizations planning activities that involve campus streets or the usage of campus parking lots should work with the Sewanee Police Department to procure staffing for the event or traffic control.
The Sewanee Police Department is dedicated to delivering professional and ethical service to our community members. If you have a compliment or complaint of an officer we encourage you to complete the form.
The Sewanee Police Department participates in the state-wide unwanted prescription drug take back program in partnership with the Franklin County Prevention Coalition. This service is designed to allow a safe way for community members to properly dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs that may be in the home.
The Sewanee Police Department welcomes all visitors to our campus and community. We want all community members and visitors to feel safe.
The University prohibits weapons of any kind on University property, including all buildings and grounds, except weapons stored for students and those weapons carried by an officer of the Sewanee Police department while on duty.
We would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on how we can improve your parking experience!
The University of the South requires that all vehicles on campus be registered to assist with making our community safe and to manage parking resources effectively. The University requires that all students, faculty, and staff must register your vehicles for campus parking.
Greetings from the University and the Sewanee Police Department. We look forward to seeing you on the Mountain!
The University and the Sewanee Police Department are creating a new Safety Advisory Team and are currently seeking applicants to serve and help launch this pilot effort.
