Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about a crime or need to report a crime, you may come into any NOVA Police Department Office and ask to speak with a police officer. You may report a crime at any NOVA police location, even if the crime occurred elsewhere at NOVA. You may also contact us at 703.764.5000.

If a crime occurs at a NOVA center, contact local police who will handle the case.

• A police officer may stop you at any time for a traffic offense or criminal investigation.
• When you observe an officer behind you with emergency lights and/or siren activated, remain calm and safely pull over to the right side of the road or to a nearby safe location.
• Remain in your vehicle unless the officer directs you otherwise.
• Keep your hands in plain sight so the officer can see them.
• Avoid any sudden movements especially towards the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
• The officer will ask you for your identification along with other documentation.
• Wait until the officer asks for your driver license, vehicle registration or other documents before reaching for them.
• If the stop occurs at night, the officer will likely illuminate the inside of your vehicle with a spotlight and flashlight. This is for the officer’s safety and your own; don’t be alarmed.
• An additional police officer may be on the scene of a traffic stop.
• The officer may issue you a ticket. If you feel the reason is vague or unclear, ask the officer for clarification.
• You will be asked to sign the ticket. Your signature is not an admission of guilt; it only signifies your promise to come to court or pre-pay the fine, if allowed.
• Avoid becoming argumentative. If you desire to contest the ticket, you should do so in court.
• You may ask for the officer for his or her unit number, and you may make a complaint if you feel you have been treated unfair or discourteously. Contact police dispatch or ask for a campus supervisor calling 703.764.5000.

The NOVA Police Department has six offices, one on each NOVA campus.

• Alexandria - AA 240
• Annandale - CA 203
• Loudoun - LR (Reynolds) 114
• Manassas - Oak Hill (10376 Battleview Parkway)
• Medical Education - 1st floor entrance off the parking garage
• Woodbridge - WFM Building

Lost and found is handled by the NOVA Police Department. Visit your respective NOVA police office to see if your lost item has been turned in.

The NOVA Police Department provides motorist assistance on all of NOVA’s campuses during College business hours (7 a.m. – 11 p.m.). Please contact NOVA Police Dispatch at 703.764.5000 and have the following information available:

• Location of your vehicle
• Make, model, color and tag information for your vehicle
• A call-back number

If you were issued a traffic ticket (Virginia Uniformed Summons) and are required to appear in court, you can view your court date information on the Virginia Judicial Systems website.

Contact NOVA Police with concerns, to provide compliments or complaints. Monitored 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.