University Police Department

The mission of the University Police Department is to protect and serve the university community, visitors, and campus property. We do so by:   

• Developing and maintaining crime prevention programs that stop or reduce crimes.
• Implementing and maintaining crime prevention programs through environmental design.
• Securing the campus parameters including general patrol of campus property by foot, bike and vehicle.
• Stopping or reducing university UW 18, Wisconsin Criminal and Traffic Violations by continuous enforcement and education.
• Investigating crimes to recover and obtain compensation for damages to the campus and victims.
• Communication and sharing information pertaining to safety and security.
• Building an inclusive relationship, with students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community.

 
Key Things to Know

Campus Records of Crimes

Efforts are made to advise members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime related problems. These efforts include the following:

• Annual Security Report: A comprehensive annual report of crime related information is compiled, published, and distributed. This annual report is available to any interested party.
• Crime Alert: When special circumstances warrant it, special printed "Crime Alerts" can be prepared and distributed, either selectively or throughout the campus, notifying employees and students of important crime related information.
• Student Newspaper: The student newspaper, The Student Voice, publishes a summary of criminal incidents that have been reported to the University Police Department and the River Falls Police Department. This summary is prepared by members of the Student Voice staff and includes most reported activity.
• Crime Log: This crime log is available at the University Police Department, 103 Regional Development Institute during normal business hours, M-F, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Log entries for the previous day are updated each morning by 10 a.m. To protect an ongoing criminal investigation or the identity of a victim, the Chief of Police or designee may classify information as "confidential" and prohibit its release.

Cascade Crosswalks

The Cascade Avenue crosswalks are designed as two separate crossings. When a pedestrian is crossing, they should pause at each separate roadway and look both ways before crossing.

(Former) City Engineer Reid Wronski talks about Cascade Avenue and Crosswalk Safety. July 25, 2014.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcYMuIjuYs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMk9AMeuAGE

Please note: The City of River Falls turned off the automatic motion sensor function of the Cascade Avenue crosswalks since the system had frequent problems with the motion detection causing numerous malfunctions. Pedestrians using the crosswalks need to push the crosswalk button to activate the system prior to crossing Cascade Avenue. Look and make sure it is safe before crossing. Please be aware that you as a pedestrian, along with the operator of a motor vehicle, have responsibilities when using and approaching a crosswalk. The pedestrian cannot assume the vehicle will stop and make a sudden pedestrian movement into the crosswalk which does not allow the operator of a motor vehicle time to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The driver has a duty to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The City of River Falls has put up signage notifying pedestrians that the motion detection has been deactivated.

Crime Prevention Tips

• Drink Responsibly. Do not do anything with alcohol or drugs that could compromise your abilities or judgment.
• If you must walk (especially after dark) from place to place on campus or from a River Falls establishment, travel in pairs or groups. Walk in well lighted areas. Do not travel alone.
• Call and let friends know that you are leaving and when to expect your return. If leaving a family or friends home call them when you arrive back safely to campus.
• Pay attention and report unusual behaviors or suspicious people. On campus call the University Police Department at 715-425-3133. Off campus dial 911.
• Have a plan and trust your instincts.
• Do NOT go with anyone you do not know, never go to a secondary location with someone you do not know and TRUST.
• If a suspicious person (or someone you know) is attempting to take you from your location ATTRACT attention, yell, scream and do what is necessary to get others to come to your assistance.
• If you are able take some type of action to free yourself. You must make this judgment for yourself and take action if it is safe to do so.

 
Crime Response Procedures

 
UW-River Falls Police Department (UWRFPD)

In accordance with s. 36.11 (2) Wisconsin Statutes, University of Wisconsin-River Falls Police Department is staffed by police officers who meet the standards of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board and have the power to arrest and bring before the proper courts persons violating the law on University property. The university's police officers cooperate with local police authorities in the exercise of their responsibilities. Local police respond when requested. It is the policy of university police to encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to university police or the appropriate local police authorities. University Police officers patrol facilities and grounds 24 hours every day.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls maintains a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies at the city, county, state and federal level.

UWRFPD cooperates with local police and other state and federal authorities in the exercise of their responsibilities.

UWRFPD maintains a strong working relationship with the River Falls Police Department and other surrounding law enforcement agencies. Staff participate in local and statewide meetings to share information and resources, as deemed necessary. UWRFPD's primary jurisdiction is the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. River Falls Police Department has primary jurisdiction over the City of River Falls, not including the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

General Crime Reporting

All members of the campus community are urged to immediately report crimes, suspicious actions, fires, or other emergencies occurring on the campus to UW-River Falls Police. UW-River Falls Police will respond in accordance with the established law enforcement procedures. Assistance from River Falls Police, Fire, Ambulance, or other emergency services is provided upon request. In an emergency or a crime in progress call 911. All other reports may be made by calling Pierce County Dispatch 715-273-5051, the use of emergency phones (blue light) or by reporting in person to the UW-River Falls Police Department, located in the Regional Development Institute, Room 103.

Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking who do not wish to report the crime to a law enforcement official Title IX or to the Dean of Students are still encouraged to get help and support through Health and Counseling, Victim Advocate or off campus support through SART or Turning Point.

 
Response to a Reported Crime

In response to a call regarding a reported crime, police officers will take the required action to investigate the crime, search for suspects, collect available evidence, file a report, and work with local prosecutors. In response to an emergency, UWRFPD will respond, evaluate, and summon the appropriate resources to respond to the incident. All relevant cases that UWRFPD generates involving students are forwarded to Dean of Students for review and potential action, such as initiating the student disciplinary process when appropriate and/or offering support to student victims. UWRFPD will investigate criminal reports and forward additional information obtained via the investigation to the Dean of Students. If assistance is required from the River Falls Police or Fire Departments, or other local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, UWRFPD will contact the appropriate agency.

 
Off Campus Safety and Security

The River Falls Police Department (RFPD) has primary jurisdiction in all areas off campus in River Falls. RFPD routinely works with UWRFPD and the Dean of Students on any incidents occurring off campus when a UW–River Falls student is involved.

 
Daily Crime and Fire Log

UWRFPD maintains a daily log of crimes and incidents that occur on campus and that is accessible to the public upon request. This information includes the nature of the crime or fire, the date of incident, the date reported, time, general location, and disposition (if known). Log entries for the previous day are updated each weekday. Incidents are entered into the crime log within two business days of UWRFPD receiving the report. In order to protect an ongoing criminal investigation or the identity of a victim, the chief of police or designee may classify information as confidential and prohibit its release.

This daily log is available at UWRFPD at 715 Wild Rose Ave.

Emergency Phones

We currently have seven Emergency Call phones located throughout the campus, often referred to as the Blue Light Phone. These phones have a direct link to Pierce County 911 dispatch center. These phones should be utilized whenever you need help in an emergency or when you are in fear or needing assistance.

Map with phone locations (click on printable map).

Law Enforcement Authority and Inter-Agency Relations

University Police Officers

Police Officers are certified law enforcement officers with the authority as identified in UWS 18.03 and Wisconsin Statute 36.11 (2). University Police Officers have criminal arrest authority.

Inter-Agency Relations: the University Police Department works with the River Falls Police Department, and the Pierce and St Croix County Sheriff's Department (s), within the scope of their responsibilities. The UWRF Police Department maintains a close working relationship with area law enforcement agencies, other area college and university police departments, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and all elements of the criminal justice system.

Maintenance and Security of Campus Facilities

The university maintains a very strong commitment to campus safety and security. Exterior lighting is an important part of this commitment. Vehicle parking lots, pedestrian walkways, and building exteriors are well lighted. Patrol officers conduct surveys of exterior lighting on campu, and reports of outages are documented and acted upon by the Facilities Management Department. A comprehensive survey of all exterior lighting is conducted each year by the campus Risk Manager and recommendations for improvements or adjustments are forwarded to the Facilities Management Department. Members of the campus community are encouraged to report any exterior lighting deficiencies to the University Police Department by calling extension (715) 425-3133.

University Police and University Police Officers routinely check exterior doors on campus, ensuring that each exterior door and its locking mechanism are working properly. Exterior doors to buildings are locked and secured each evening by University Police Officers. In addition, door and security hardware operation deficiencies are reported to Facilities for repairs. University Police Officers also make note of the grounds of the campus and consult with the Grounds Department to ensure that shrubbery, trees and other vegetation on campus have been properly trimmed. University Police on foot patrol and in vehicles, patrol parking lots on campus and other public areas of the campus.

Parking Lot Security Tips

• Check your vehicle frequently.
• Lock all doors and roll windows up tight.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• Park and walk in well-lit areas.
• Crimes or suspicious persons should be reported to the University Police Department.
• Ice or maintenance problems should be reported to the Parking Department.
• Drive slowly through campus parking lots at a speed below 10 miles per hour.
• Look under, around and in the back seat of your vehicle as you approach it.
• Do not walk alone at night. The University Police Department provides walking escorts. Call 715-425-3133 to request an escort.

Reporting of Criminal Actions or Emergencies

• The UW-River Falls Police Department is responsible for all law enforcement related calls for service at the university. The University Police Department is located in 103 Regional Development Institute (RDI). Phone service to the University Police Department is provided 24hours a day.
• The department is staffed by the following: one Chief of Police, one Sergeant, six full time Police Officers, four part-time University Police Officers, two administrative assistant 3 and approximately eight student assistants.
• To report a crime or if you need assistance, members of the campus community should call the University Police Department at (715) 425-3133 or the Pierce County 911 Center at 715-273-5051.
• Individuals should call 911 Emergency when someone is severely hurt, sick or in danger. If in doubt, call. It is important not to hang up the phone until the 911 operator tells you to do so.
• The University Police Department maintains direct telephone and two-way radio contact with the River Falls Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff's Department and River Falls Fire and Ambulance Services. The University Police Department telephone number is in the campus telephone directory. It is included on all the department's printed publications, brochures, pamphlets and correspondence.

Staff Listing

• Chief of Police/Director of Protective Services: Karl Fleury
• Police Sergeant: Tanya Armstrong
• Police Officers:
  • Trent Curler
  • Kayla Madritsch
• LTE Police Officers:
  • Joshua Hecht
  • Tom Gunderson
  • Joel Trepczyk
  • Jorden Aufderhar
  • Carter Bellefeuille
• Administrative Assistant III:
  • Jan Bechel
  • Tiffany Esterby