Message from the Police Chief Jake Jacoby
All NOVA police officers are fully certified by Virginia’s Department of Criminal Justice Services and have the same authorities and responsibilities as all other Commonwealth law enforcement officers. We are sworn to preserve the public peace, protect life and property and uphold Virginia’s laws.
NOVA’s police department is comprised of sworn officers, security officers and police dispatchers. Police officers patrol NOVA campuses daily on foot, in vehicles and on bikes. NOVA security officers, along with contract security, patrol our campuses when the College is closed.
We offer many services to keep you safe. Check out the tips in our safety video on the main page of our website. If you ever feel unsafe and want a police escort to your vehicle parked on campus or between classes, call us. We will come to your location and escort you. Our crime prevention specialists are always available to answer questions on how to stay safe on campus. We also operate lost and found on each campus, and if your car won’t start, give us a call and we will do what we can to help you. In addition, we have officers who are certified child safety seat installers. If you have or are getting a child safety seat, we can help you install it correctly.
We have an active training program, averaging over 125 presentations annually, free of charge, to faculty, students and staff. Topics include Active Shooter Response, Dealing With Difficult People, Bomb Threat Awareness and Response, Sexual Assault and Bystander Intervention, Narcotics, Stop the Bleed, Gangs, Identity Theft, and more. We also publish occasional articles in the Daily Flyer, announcing police department activities.
One of the most important resources you will find on our website is NOVA’s Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR, due every October, is mandated by the Department of Education for all American colleges and universities receiving federal funding. The ASR lists major crimes broken out by campus. The Report also includes descriptions and/or links to all of NOVA’s safety and security policies and procedures. If you would like a FREE copy of the ASR or select crime statistics, drop by any NOVA Police station.
The entire NOVA community has an obligation to help keep the College safe. If you observe a crime or something you consider concerning or extraordinary, contact Police Dispatch or a campus officer immediately. If you are in urgent need of police services, or if you want to make a suggestion, file a complaint, or ask a question, give us a call. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. You can also contact NOVA’s dispatch for any campus emergency or for any police services at any time by calling 703.764.5000. We also offer the LiveSafe Mobile Safety app. You can contact dispatch via phone or text for police services to report crimes, emergencies, or concerning behaviors, ask questions, make recommendations, or request any of the services mentioned above using the LiveSafe app. You can upload audio, video and photos if you are reporting a crime or making a suggestion. You can also contact us anonymously. The LiveSafe app contains important information, such as what to do in an emergency or dangerous event. Go to iTunes or Google Play to download the FREE LiveSafe app. It only takes a minute!
Your NOVA Police Department strives to help you and make sure that your experience at the College is safe, productive and enjoyable.