Chief's Welcome

A message from Jeffrey D. Besong Sr.

The Point Park University Police Department, under the administration of the associate vice president/chief of police, is responsible for safety and security on campus. I am certified under the Municipal Police Officers' Training Academy (ACT 120), which is certified by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission as a sworn police officer for Point Park University. We are a community-oriented Police Department, which is in full operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week employing sworn police officers and dispatchers who are APCO certified. The department has received accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

All Point Park University police officers are certified under the Municipal Polices Officers' Training Academy (ACT 120) and sworn under Act 501. All officers have Pennsylvania State certification in CPR, AED, and first aid, with some officers certified at higher levels of professional training. These individuals are first responders to all medical emergencies on campus and provide immediate assessment and care. Police officers of the police department respond to all criminal, security, fire, and EMS emergencies. Our department also has Velocity desk attendants located at residence building entrances 7 days a week.

Point Park University police officers enforce state, local and federal rules, regulations, ordinances and laws, including those pertaining to alcohol and drug violations on campus. The department also enforces University regulations and conducts routine patrols throughout campus. Every effort is made to enforce these regulations in an equitable and professional manner. The police department maintains a close, professional relationship with local, county and state agencies.

The Point Park University Police Department is located in Frontier Hall on the third floor. Within the office is the dispatch center which coordinates the activities of all field officers and supervisors. The dispatcher receives all incoming phone calls and directs the response of police officers to routine incidents, emergencies, and calls for service. For patrol purposes, property owned or controlled by the Point Park University is divided into districts that are patrolled by police officers in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles. Police officers wear body worn cameras and also carry the antidote Narcon. Our officers are required to maintain high visibility and all department vehicles are well marked and easily identified.

The primary responsibility of the Point Park University police department is protection of life and property. Realistically, no society, community, or college campus can be totally crime free. However, we take measures to deter criminal activity on campus and surrounding areas. Each member of the Point Park community has a responsibility to adopt sound safety and security practices both on and off campus. It is only in partnership with one another that we can continue to provide a safe environment in which to work, learn, and engage in social activities.

Thank you for your shared commitment. I welcome the opportunity to answer any concerns or questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey D. Besong
Associate Vice President of Public Safety/Chief of Police
Phone: 412-392-3960
Fax: 412-392-8199
jbesong@pointpark.edu