Welcome to the University of Washington Police Department.
The UW Police web site is designed to inform you of current information regarding services provided by the UWPD, statistical information on crime trends, how to find us, and other helpful resources and tips. Be sure to click on our "FAQs" page for links to most frequently asked questions!
A Message from Chief John Vinson
It is my honor to serve as Chief of Police at the University of Washington. The University of Washington Police Department is committed to working closely with the community to maintain a safe environment for the students, faculty and staff who make this University great. Our officers, patrolling campus day and night, are well trained, well equipped, and ready to respond to emergencies.
The UWPD can’t do our work alone. We rely on you, the community, to partner with us to notify us of suspicious activities and crime. Feel free to talk with officers as you see them walking the halls of buildings or biking around campus. You can also speak with a UWPD officer at the HUB information booth Monday through Friday between 11:15 am and 1:15 pm. Officers posted at the HUB can take reports, offer crime prevention tips, problem solve safety issues and receive feedback and suggestions.
Thank you for visiting the UWPD website. If you do not find the information you are looking for, please give us a call at 206-685-UWPD (8973).
John Vinson, Ph.D.
John Vinson became the University of Washington Police Department Chief in February 2009. Chief Vinson holds a Ph.D. in public administration from Western Michigan University and has 15 years of law enforcement experience, including ten years of supervisory and administrative experience.
As the second in command in Isabella County, Michigan since 2005, Vinson directed and organized the day-to-day operation of the divisions of the sheriff’s department, including road patrol, the detective bureau, records and jail operations. Isabella County has a population of 65,000. The department has a 196 bed jail, 60 employees, three labor unit contracts and a $4.2 million budget.
Vinson also worked at the Central Michigan University Police Department in Mount Pleasant from 1996 to 2004, serving first as a police officer and for six years as a sergeant. Central Michigan has an on-campus student population of more than 19,500.
Vinson holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Central Michigan and a master of science in administration. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
We welcome feedback on how we can better provide a high degree of service to you. If you have any suggestions on other topics or specific information you would like to see on this website, please let us know by sending a message to uwpolice@u.washington.edu.