About the George Mason University
Police Department

George Mason was established as a four-year university in 1972 when the governor signed legislation separating it from the University of Virginia. In 1981 the George Mason University’s 21 person security department was reorganized and formed an autonomous law enforcement agency
Today, the George Mason University Police Department has grown to a force of over fifty sworn officers which patrols three campuses. The department is a full service law enforcement agency which has maintained its nationally accredited status since 1991.
Mission Statement
The mission of the George Mason University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department will work collaboratively with academic and administrative units, individuals and organizations in furtherance of the mission of the university.
Accreditations and Other Details
The George Mason University Police Department is professionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Members of the GMU Police Force are state certified police officers empowered to enforce all state and local laws on all George Mason campuses, with the authority to make arrests and carry firearms. They are trained in emergency first aid, criminal law, criminal investigation, defensive tactics, crime prevention, use of firearms, sexual assault victim counseling, crisis intervention, crowd control, and enforcement of traffic regulations. A comprehensive background investigation is completed on all police personnel.
University Police maintains a close working relationship with the Virginia State Police and the police departments of the City of Fairfax, Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William County. As a participant in the National Crime Information Center and the Virginia Crime Information Network, University Police shares information with other police agencies nationwide. Through its membership in a wide network of other regional, state, and international law enforcement organizations, it can exchange information used in investigating crimes and learn new crime prevention techniques. Each month, University Police activities and intelligence data are reported to the Virginia State Police for inclusion in crime statistics published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Available 24 hours a day year-round, University Police officers are responsible for maintaining order and public safety. University Police officers regularly patrol the streets, parking lots, and grounds of the campus. In addition to motor and foot patrols, officers from the Community Outreach Patrol use bicycles to monitor the grounds, particularly those areas not readily accessible by patrol car. The bicycle patrol enhances communication between officers and persons on campus and enhances response time.
Complaint Summary Reports
Complaints received by the University Police Department are investigated thoroughly and in a timely manner. These complaints and their results are tracked and analyzed routinely in order to ensure a continued positive relationship with those they serve.
George Mason University Police Locations
Fairfax Campus (Main Headquarters)
-Police & Safety Building (in front of the Rappahannock River Deck)
Arlington Campus
-Arlington Phase I Building, B1 Level, Room 15
Prince William Campus
-Prince William 1, Room 225B
Site Navigation
Van Driver Familiarization Class
Active Shooter Resource Officer
Additional Links
College & University Police & Investigators Conference (CUPIC)
If you are having trouble viewing these links, or cannot find something on the website, please contact the webmaster.





