Specialized Police Units
Dedicated teams with specialized training that enhance safety and security at Penn State
University Police and Public Safety's specialized policing units provide advanced training, expertise, and resources that enhance safety across the Penn State community. From patrol and emergency response to crime prevention, investigations, and community engagement, these teams support the department's mission through specialized skills and proactive service.
Armed Public Safety Officers
The Armed Public Safety Officers (APSO) Unit safeguards the University Park campus and sensitive University assets, including classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and Department of Defense. APSOs respond to emergencies, investigate security incidents, handle fire, burglar, and suspicious activity calls, and enforce university, local, state, federal, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy regulations to ensure safety, security, and compliance.
Bike Patrol Unit
The Bike Patrol Unit helps enhance safety and community engagement across the University Park campus. Equipped with specialized training, the department’s 24 bike patrol officers provide a highly visible presence, allowing for rapid response to incidents and proactive crime prevention. Their mobility enables access to areas that are difficult to reach by vehicle, making them a valuable resource during large gatherings, athletic events, and other campus activities. Through regular patrols, the unit helps deter crime, enforce University policies, and maintain a safe environment for the campus community.
Tactical Response Team
The Centre County Tactical Response Team (CCTRT) is a specialized unit composed of 15 officers from six law enforcement agencies throughout Centre County, including three University Police officers from University Park. Through rigorous training in critical incident management, search and entry tactics, and marksmanship, the team is prepared to respond to high-risk situations such as barricaded subjects, warrant services, dignitary protection assignments, and major public events. The team’s collaborative approach strengthens regional preparedness and ensures an effective response to critical incidents across Centre County and beyond.
Community Oriented Policing
The Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit supports a safe and welcoming environment for Penn State students, employees, visitors, and community members through outreach, education, problem-solving partnerships, crime prevention initiatives, and community engagement. COP officers work closely with University and local stakeholders to address quality-of-life and safety concerns, deliver educational programs, organize events, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen trust and enhance campus safety.
Criminal Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Unit is staffed by highly trained detectives who investigate a wide range of crimes, from thefts and assaults to complex cybercrimes, using advanced forensic tools, investigative techniques, and multi-agency collaboration. Working closely with local, state, and federal partners, including the FBI, the unit conducts thorough investigations, supports victims, shares intelligence, and coordinates responses to complex and cross-jurisdictional cases to enhance the safety and security of the campus community.
Drone Unit
The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or Drone, Unit enhances campus safety through innovative drone technology that supports emergency response, search and rescue operations, event monitoring, investigations, and situational awareness while maintaining strict privacy, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Hazardous Device Unit
The Hazardous Device Unit protects Penn State and surrounding communities through specialized response to explosive threats and suspicious devices, advanced bomb disposal capabilities, regional law enforcement support, and rigorous ongoing training that ensures the highest standards of safety and preparedness.
K9 Unit
The K9 Unit enhances campus and community safety through specialized explosives detection, evidence recovery, emergency response, security operations, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania.
Special Events Unit
The Special Events Unit ensures the safety and success of campus events through comprehensive planning, crowd management, emergency response, traffic coordination, and collaborative partnerships that support a secure and welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors.
Student Auxiliary Officers
Student Auxiliary Officers support campus safety through residence hall patrols, traffic control, property protection, and security operations at major University events, providing valuable assistance to University Police across the University Park and Altoona campuses.
