Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the questions we often receive. If you have a question not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

What are your officers' qualifications, and what is their jurisdiction?

All sworn members are commissioned Police Officers. They are vested with the same authority as the members of your local Police Department. Sworn members make arrests, cite traffic and parking violators, write criminal and traffic accident reports, and conduct criminal investigations. Officers at Oakland University are all police academy graduates, and receive continuing training in many areas: CPR, first aid, firearms, legal updates, alcohol enforcement, and defensive tactics are just a few examples.  The boundaries of the university are just like the boundaries of your city: within the boundaries of the university, the Oakland University Police Department is the law enforcement agency of record, and its authority includes the university's perimeter roads.  The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

How many staff work in the police department?

The department has 22 sworn Police Officers, 4 full-time Professional Police Dispatchers, an Administrative Assistant and 4-6 students employed as Student Cadets.

Is Oakland University a safe place?

Oakland has one of the lowest crime rates in Oakland County. Statistically, you have a better chance of becoming a victim of a crime in your home town (regardless of where you live) than at the university.  No one can guarantee that you won't become a victim, but there is much you can do to minimize your chances. Using the "buddy" system, keeping to the more brightly lit areas, being aware of your surroundings, and "using your head" can all work to lessen your chances of becoming a victim.  Even though Oakland is a safe environment, it is not without crime.  Our most common crime is that of larceny (of all kinds). Crimes against persons are quite rare, thanks in part to a heightened awareness fostered by the efforts of the Crime Prevention Section and the combined efforts of the staff of the department and the community in a partnership towards a safer environment.

A copy of our crime statistics is published once a year in the Fall schedule of classes; a copy of this   document may be obtained any time by contacting the department. 

Why can't I ever find a place to park?

Surveys conducted over the years have shown that, at any given time of the day, legal parking is available on campus.  While parking may not be as close to your destination as you might like, it is available.  It takes a reasonably fit person 8-10 minutes (at the most) to walk from any parking spot on campus to the farthest building.

Does Oakland have a 911 Emergency system?

The university was one of the first communities in Oakland County to have a 911 Emergency Phone System.  From any telephone on campus (except pay phones), you can be connected directly to the police dispatcher in an emergency by dialing 911.  Routine, non-emergency calls should be placed by dialing 3331 from any campus phone.

What do I do if I lock my keys in my car (or my car won't start)?

Officers can, in most cases, assist motorists with entry into their locked car.  Signing a waiver and proper identification are all that is needed for an officer to help. 

Police patrol units cannot be used to jump-start cars.  The department has jumper cables for loan, and we will place a call to a tow service for a stranded motorist, if so requested.