Yes, all officers are certified in accordance with the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council rules and regulations. They have the same arrest power as the city and county law enforcement officers.
Aggressive traffic enforcement is for students' safety. Most students do not realize that during "routine" traffic stops drugs, weapons, contraband, and even criminals are found in the vehicles. Don't forget, a license plate violation resulted in the apprehension of the suspect in the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing.
Yes, our service is in effect 24 hours a day seven days a week rain or shine. If you are concerned for your safety while going from point A to point B on campus, call the University Police (229) 333-7816 and you will be provided with an escort.
The first thing to do is ensure your own safety. Next, contact the University Police (229) 259-5555. State what the problem is and the location of the incident (do not worry about east or west). You could say, "the Reade Hall side of Langdale" or "between Brown Hall and the library." Then give the dispatchers as much information about the people involved, e.g., how many are involved and a description of what they are wearing.
All parking citations on campus are paid at the Parking and Transportation Department located on the 1st floor of the Sustella Parking Deck. All State of Georgia citations, basically all moving violations, must be paid or appealed at the State Court of Lowndes County. They are located at 111 Roswell Drive, off Madison Highway, just north of the Valdosta Airport.
Our jurisdiction extends 500 yards in every direction from any real property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.
The Patrol Division of the University Police Department is responsible for patrolling the campus and responding to requests for police service 24 hours a day, 365 days year.