University of Mary Washington Police

10/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19uJQrrHdj/

10/12/2026

Cruising across Campus Walk beats power-walking to an 8:00 AM class every time—but getting there fast shouldn’t come at the expense of everyone else walking to class. 🛴💨Electric scooters get us where we need to go efficiently, but being a good rider means being an even better community member. On campus, pedestrians always have the right of way. Here is how to keep your ride smooth, safe, and respectful: Pedestrians First: Slow down when approaching crowded brick pathways or blind corners around academic buildings. If traffic is tight, dismount and walk. Give a Heads-Up: Use a bell or a quick, friendly "On your left!" well before passing someone from behind so you don’t startle them. Keep One Ear Free: Keep your volume low or leave one earbud out. If you can’t hear foot traffic, skateboards, or emergency sirens, you’re flying blind. Solo Flights Only: Tandem riding cuts your braking power and balance in half. One rider per deck, every time.Park with Purpose: Never leave your scooter blocking sidewalks, building entrances, stairs, or ADA ramps. Lock up at designated bike racks outside—and remember, motorized scooters cannot be brought inside or charged in university buildings. Look out for one another out there. Protect your ride, protect your fellow Eagles, and help keep our walkways safe for everyone. Have questions about campus safety or need a bike/scooter lock recommendation? Reach out to UMW Police or stop by our office—we’re here to help!

10/01/2026

We are proud to share that the University of Mary Washington Police Department has officially received its reaccreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC)! 🦅🎖️

This achievement marks our **Third Award**, reflecting our continuous commitment to meeting the highest standards in professional law enforcement, campus safety, and service to our community.

Achieving accreditation requires months of rigorous evaluation, policy reviews, and attention to detail. Chief Mike Hall extends his sincere gratitude and appreciation to **Captain Bill Gill**, **1st Sergeant Dillon Brooks**, and **ECO Lee Kimes** for their dedication, long hours, and leadership throughout the accreditation process. Their hard work ensures our department remains a modern, accountable, and transparent team dedicated to protecting our campus every day.

Thank you to our entire campus community—students, faculty, staff, and families—for your continued partnership and support. We are honored to serve you!

10/01/2026

09/21/2026

Don’t let someone roll away with your ride! 🛴💨

Electric scooters make getting across campus fast and easy. While our campus is generally very safe, property crimes remain the most frequent issue faced by university communities nationwide—and lately, we’ve tracked a noticeable increase in scooter thefts around UMW.

Opportunistic thieves look for quick targets. A few smart habits will keep your wheels right where you left them:

* **Upgrade to a U-Lock:** Thin wire and cable locks offer little resistance and can be cut in seconds. Use a heavy-duty steel U-lock or a hardened chain lock.
* **Lock Through the Frame:** Never loop your lock only through a wheel, handlebar, or removable component. Always secure the solid frame directly to an authorized bike rack.
* **Avoid the "Quick Stop" Trap:** Leaving your scooter unlocked for "just a minute" while running an errand is all it takes. Lock it down every single time.
* **Register Your Ride:** Snap a quick photo of your scooter and document its serial number, make, and model. Registering your property with UMW Police ensures we have the necessary identifiers to verify ownership and assist in recovery if it is ever stolen.

Notice someone lingering around campus bike racks with tools or tampering with scooters? Trust your instincts and report it right away.

Reach UMW Police dispatch directly at **(540) 654-1025** (or dial **4444** from any on-campus phone).

Let’s look out for one another and keep our campus rolling safely. 🦅

09/03/2026

Don’t let a scammer drain your semester budget.

Between fake "remote work" job offers, quick-cash giveaways on Instagram, and phishing DMs asking for your verification code, scammers know college students are busy and looking to save money. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 4 college students experience some form of financial fraud or identity theft during their academic careers.

Staying safe online doesn't take hours—it just takes a quick pause before you click or send.

The Golden Rules of Scam Spotting:

The "Too Good to Be True" Job: If an unsolicited DM or email offers hundreds a week for basic data entry, personal assistant tasks, or "evaluating products," it's almost always a fake check scam. Never deposit a check sent by someone you haven’t met to buy gift cards or supplies.

Never Share One-Time Passcodes (OTPs): A legitimate platform or bank will never ask you to screenshot or text back a 6-digit verification code. If someone asks for it to "verify your identity," they are trying to break into your account.

Guard Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps: Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App payments should be treated like cash. Avoid sending money to strangers selling event tickets, textbooks, or apartment subleases without meeting in person and verifying first.

Check the Sender: Scammers spoof official university logos and department names. Look closely at the actual email address—not just the display name.

Take control of your digital footprint, trust your gut, and don't hesitate to reach out if something feels off.

Notice something suspicious targeting campus?

Contact the UMW Police Department at (540) 654-1025 or stop by the police department. We are here 24/7 to help you verify suspicious activity before you lose a dollar.

08/27/2026

🛡️ Campus Safety Alert: Protect Your Info & Guard Your Space! 🦅
Hey Eagles! Staying safe on campus happens both online and in person. Fraud and property crimes are far more common than violent crime, and nationally, about 1 in 4 college students faces some form of identity theft or financial fraud.

A few smart habits make a huge difference in keeping our community secure:

💻 1. Double-Check Before You Click & Share
Watch out for fake websites: Look closely at URLs before entering passwords or payment info. Official UMW links always point to verified domains.

Keep personal details private: Never share your student ID numbers, banking credentials, login details, or daily routines on public social media accounts.

If it looks too good to be true, it is: Fake job offers, phony textbook deals, or unverified apartment listings often aim to harvest your personal data.

🚪 2. Don’t Let Tailgaters In
Always swipe your own EagleOne Card: Residence halls and academic spaces are secure for a reason.

Never let strangers in behind you ("tailgating"): It might feel awkward to let a door close, but keeping unknown individuals out protects everyone in your living space. Real residents and authorized guests have their own access.

Lock your doors: Even if you're just walking down the hall for five minutes, always lock your room.

See something off? If a website, social profile, or visitor seems suspicious, let us know right away.

💼 3. Watch Out for "Too-Good-To-Be-True" Job Ads
Scammers frequently target students with fake remote job postings, paid virtual assistant gigs, or phony research assistantships designed to steal personal info or financial data.

Red Flags: Unsolicited job offers via personal text/email, requests to buy gift cards or deposit checks to "buy equipment," and applications asking for your Social Security Number, bank credentials, or copies of your ID upfront.

Action: Always verify campus and local job opportunities through official UMW channels (like Handshake) or by contacting the department directly before applying or replying.

💻 4. Lock Down Your Digital Footprint
Check URLs closely: Fake login portals mimic university or banking websites to harvest credentials. Always look for official domains.

Don't overshare on social media: Keep daily class schedules, dorm room numbers, and financial details off public feeds.

📞 Emergency: (540) 654-4444

📞 Non-Emergency Dispatch: (540) 654-1025

08/24/2026

Stay sharp, Eagles! Whether heading to class across Campus Walk or exploring downtown Fredericksburg, your safety is always the priority.

Campuses are generally safe spaces, but property theft remains the most common crime in college environments—and most of it is simply opportunistic. A few smart habits make a huge difference:

On & Off Campus Safety Essentials

Lock It or Lose It: Always lock your residence hall doors, vehicle doors, and bike locks—even if you're stepping away for "just two minutes."

Stay Aware: Keep your head up and ditch the noise-canceling headphones when walking alone after dark. Stick to well-lit paths.

The Buddy System: Going downtown or to a social gathering? Stick together and look out for one another.

Put Campus Safety in Your Pocket: The Rave Guardian App
Turn your phone into a personal safety tool with the Rave Guardian App, free for all UMW students, faculty, and staff:

Virtual Safety Timer: Walking back from the library late? Set a timer with friends, family, or campus safety. If you don’t deactivate it when you arrive, your emergency contacts are notified automatically.

Direct Emergency Connection: Quick-dial UMW Police or local 911 at the touch of a button.

Two-Way Anonymous Tips: Report suspicious activity, safety hazards, or concerns directly to dispatch with photos or two-way messaging.

Download Rave Guardian from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your UMW email today.

Have each other's backs, stay alert, and let's keep our community safe.

08/18/2026

Welcome home, Eagles! 🦅📦

Move-in day is here, and the energy across campus is electric. Between carrying mini-fridges up three flights of stairs and organizing your new space, keeping patience and safety front and center ensures a smooth start for everyone.

Here are three quick reminders to kick off the semester safely:

Keep Moving & Stay Patient: Campus roads and parking zones get busy fast. Watch for pedestrians, follow directional signage, and give fellow Eagles a hand when needed.

Lock It When You Leave It: Property crimes, like unattended theft, are the most common incidents on college campuses. Always lock your room door—even if you're just running down the hall for five minutes.

Keep an Eye on Valuables: Unloading your car? Don’t leave laptops, backpacks, or small electronics unattended in open trunks or hallways.

We’re here to help you thrive this semester. If you see our officers around campus, stop by, say hello, or ask for directions!

Have a great move-in day, stay safe, and let’s make it a fantastic semester.