Police Department FAQs & Policies

Bridgewater State University wants its students, faculty, staff, and visitors to have the safest environment possible in which to learn, live, work, and enjoy recreational activities. Having our own police department helps to ensure that we can provide a high level of protection and service to the campus community.

Chief of Police David Tillinghast is the police department's commanding officer. The deputy chief, assistant chief, and captain assist Chief Tillinghast in the management of the department.

At any one time, there are approximately twenty three full-time sworn officers (of all ranks) assigned to the department. The department also employs a variety of support staff members, including communications dispatchers, clerical staff, parking lot monitors, and student employees.

The officers of the Bridgewater State University Police Department are empowered by state law with full police authority. Officers have the same law enforcement authority as police officers in your city or town.

All officers are required to complete police academy training equivalent to that of city and town officers. Most officers have been trained in one or more of several specialty areas, such as crime prevention, bicycle patrol, etc. Many officers are certified in emergency medical care to the EMT level, and all are certified in CPR and as first response emergency medical care providers.

In addition to providing a full range of law enforcement services, the department provides programs in crime prevention and personal safety, self-defense, and similar programs.

We think that the campus is very safe, but we know that incidents can occur anywhere, at any time, so we work hard to deter incidents, and we respond appropriately when they occur. Community members should be aware of the potential for crime on the campus and take proactive steps to become prepared for campus living.

The most important thing community members can do is to be aware of their surroundings, and not fall into the trap of believing that no crime can occur on a university campus. We don't want our community members to be paranoid about the potential for crime, just aware, and prepared.

No: Bridgewater State University must follow the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and the Drug Free Workplace Act. Anything less than a total ban on all marijuana on campus could jeopardize BSU's federal funding, including many types of financial aid to students.

If you are a "medical" marijuana user, you must store and use you marijuana off-campus. Anyone who possesses or uses marijuana at BSU may, depending on the situation, be cited under state statutes or federally prosecuted, and face university disciplinary action. Students should be aware that marijuana use may also have an adverse impact on future employment, as many employers require drug testing. A conviction can also limit a student's ability to obtain federal financial aid.

Our phone, e-mail, and web contact information is listed below. You are welcome to call any of the below numbers with a problem or to get information.

Column one lists the service, two lists the phone number.

Office:	Telephone:
Emergency	911
Business	(508) 531-1212
TDD/TTY	(508) 531-6111
Office of the Chief	(508) 531-6140

Email: bsupolice@bridgew.edu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BSUPD

Mail:
Bridgewater State University Police Department
Operations Center
200 Great Hill Drive
Bridgewater, MA 02325

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Police Department FAQs & Policies

BSU Police Department

Frequently Asked Questions

External Police Department Policies

Police Department FAQs & Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion Content

Why does Bridgewater State University have its own police department?

Who is in charge of the police department?

How many police officers are on staff?

What authorities do the officers have?

How are the officers trained?

What services does the department provide?

Is the campus safe?

How can community members better protect themselves on the campus?

Can I possess or smoke "medical" marijuana on campus?

Who do I call when there is a problem, or when I need information?

External Police Department Policies