COMMUNITY RELATIONS UNIT ( CRU)

See also : Special Operations

The goal of the Community Relations Unit (CRU) is to provide community based police services to the citizens of our community. These services include educational programming, victim assistance, and operating as a liaison for communications between members of the community and the Police Department. The CRU serves the university community through various projects and programs. The use of the projects and programs promotes a cohesive partnership between law enforcement and the community.

Educational Programming
The CRU and other departmental members provide various informational sessions on many different topics.

Victim Assistance
The CRU is dedicated to providing victim assistance information to community members.  Additionally, we continually update information officers themselves use to aide victims. 

Crime Statistics
Our unit is tasked with TIBRS and Department of Education crime statistics reporting. Ultimately, we will also be able to provide crime trend mapping.

Silent Witness
The ‘Silent Witness’ Program in which citizens are able to provide confidential crime tips to our department via www.utpolice.org.

Community Liaison
We also took initiative in bridging the gap between our community and police department by having our unit act as a liaison.  This is done through planned social activities (i.e. 3 on 3 basketball), open forums, and other opportunities.

Current Community Liaison Assignments
Women’s Athletics - Sgt. Meshia Thomas
Mens Athletics - Officer Donnie Ross
Tennessee Governors Academy - currently not filled
UT Fraternities - Corporal Ben Doty
UT Sororities - Officer Amanda Crum
Minority Student Affairs & International Students - Officer Leshaun Oliver
UT Housing - Corporal Jennifer Sharpe
UT Ministers Counsel - Corporal Vince Kanipe
Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood - Corporal Rick McCarter

 

University of Tennessee Police Department

1101 Cumberland Ave
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1940
Phone: 865.974.3111
Fax: (865) 974-4072
Email: utpolice@utk.edu

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