Notable Moments – University Police

2022 Accomplishments

Military Transition Program – In 2022 the NCSU Police Department participated in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program for the first time. The program provides retiring and transitioning service members the opportunity to participate in training programs while transitioning out of their Military careers.We had our first military member participate in a six month internship program with the Police Department who was ultimately hired by the agency as a new police officer, 

Virtual Reality (VR) Training System – Also in 2022, the NCSU PD tested the InVeris VR training system. This system allows officers to participate in VR situations that department instructors develop. This can be anything from a traffic stop, to dealing with a suicidal student on top of a parking garage threatening to jump. A large component to this training system is to emphasize verbal and physical de-escalation techniques. the Department has submitted several grants to hopefully fund this program in the future.

Therapy Dog Program – Also in 2022, the department implemented a Therapy Dog program. The Therapy Dog has been utilized on high priority calls for service, involving our student body. We have utilized it for everything from comforting roommates of a student who died by suicide to students struggling with anxiety during Midterms and Finals. We have even used the Therapy Dog for providing our Police Officers a welcomed break after responding to incidents that are traumatic in nature. Currently working toward the goal of being a nationally certified Therapy K-9 and Handler.

Firearms Simulator Training – In 2022 the NCSU PD purchased a firearms simulator as a means to better train police officers in firearms proficiency and test their skills in several simulated incidents, which include training scenarios that incorporate “shoot” and “don’t shoot” situations. Officer’s verbal de-escalation skills are tested in those situations that are deemed “don’t shoot”.

2023 Challenges

Hiring and Recruitment – For the foreseeable future, hiring and retaining quality police officers will be challenging. The number of individuals enrolling in the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academies has been dwindling for years. All agencies in the state are competing to hire officers from this dwindling pool or actively trying to recruit from other agencies.  State and local agencies are constantly trying to develop incentive programs to attract viable candidates. The most recent trend has been the hiring bonuses. The system office has approved hiring bonuses, but so far there is no funding for such a program at NC State. We at some point may be forced to develop a similar program if this trend continues.