About Tennessee Tech Police
Mission Statement
The mission of the University Police department is to support the educational mission of Tennessee Tech by maintaining a safe campus environment conducive to learning through law enforcement, utilizing evidence-based strategies to reduce crime on campus, and providing crime prevention and safety education to the campus community.
Values Statement
Accountability - We will make effective use of our resources and be held accountable for our actions, behavior, and performance by the department and members of the community.
Integrity - We are committed to honorable and ethical behavior in our daily interactions with the community that we serve.
Community Concern - We believe solving, preventing, and reducing crime and criminal activity requires a community effort, and that our officers and citizens must partner together to effectively address concerns of safety and security throughout campus.
Professionalism - We will be professional in our daily actions, behavior, and performance. Maintaining high quality training and expertise while keeping focus on new standards and trends in the field of public safety.
Respect & Responsibility - We take responsibility for vigilance in preventing and mitigating crime. We are proud to be able to support our community as we are directed to crimes reported to us by our peers. We are committed to treating each citizen with respect and dignity.
Tennessee Tech Police Authority
The University Police Department operates under the Division of Student Affairs, overseen by the Vice President for Student Affairs. All University Police officers are fully commissioned law enforcement professionals, authorized to carry firearms and granted full arrest authority under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 49-7-118 and other applicable state statutes governing peace officers.
In addition to sworn officers, the department employs non-commissioned personnel who support campus safety and security operations.
Tennessee Tech police officers have the same authority as municipal law enforcement officers. This jurisdiction includes:
- All Tennessee Tech-owned properties
- Public streets and sidewalks adjacent to campus
- Nearby neighborhoods surrounding the university
University Police maintain direct radio communication with surrounding agencies, including
the Cookeville Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Cookeville Fire
Department, Putnam County EMS, and Putnam County Emergency Management Agency. These
partnerships help ensure fast, coordinated responses to any emergency.
Campus Police Organization Chart (PDF)