Message from the Chief

Welcome to the Ðǿմ«Ã½ Police Department. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve the Catamount community as your Chief of Police. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, parent, alum, or visitor, I hope you find our website to be a valuable resource that reflects our commitment to safety, service, and engagement.

At Ðǿմ«Ã½, our mission extends beyond responding to emergencies. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every member of our community feels safe, respected, and supported in pursuing their academic, professional, and personal goals. Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and our department is committed to building trust through transparency, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships.

Within these pages, you will find information about the services we provide, opportunities to connect with our team, access to important reports and resources, and guidance on how to voice concerns and access available resources. We strive to ensure that our community remains informed and empowered through open communication and accessible service.

The Ðǿմ«Ã½ Police Department consists of dedicated professionals serving in Administrative Services, Patrol Operations, Investigative Services, and Emergency Communications. Each member of our team plays a critical role in safeguarding our campus while embodying professionalism, integrity, compassion, and accountability in all that we do.

As Chief, I believe that effective policing in higher education is rooted in relationships. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships across campus and throughout the surrounding community, recognizing that collaboration enhances our ability to prevent crime, respond to challenges, and create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Through positive engagement and a service-oriented approach, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Our commitment to preparedness remains unwavering. We continuously train, evaluate our practices, and seek innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic university environment. We are equally committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting talented professionals who share our dedication to excellence and to the values of Western Carolina University.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I invite you to explore the resources available here and to learn more about the men and women behind the badge who are committed to serving our community each day. Together, we can ensure that Western Carolina University remains a safe, inclusive, and vibrant place to learn, work, and grow.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone on our team if we can be of assistance. We are here to serve you.

 

With appreciation,

Changamire S. Durall

Chief of Police

 

Steven D. Lillard