WILKES UNIVERSITY

The Office of Public Safety employees attend mandatory training sessions. They are PA
Act 235 certified and have detaining powers. All Public Safety Officers are apprised of
and enforce the policies governing Wilkes University. Each employee is trained in basic
emergency medical procedures, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation within six
months from the date of hire. The University Public Safety Department has several
officers who have Pennsylvania Act 120 training, which is required of municipal police
officers in the state. These officers carry firearms while on duty. Act 120 training
requires more than 700 hours of comprehensive training covering every aspect of law
enforcement and firearm management.
The Office of Public Safety cooperates with state and local law enforcement agencies and
maintains an excellent working relationship with the Wilkes-Barre and Edwardsville
Police Departments. Incidents involving violence, property loss or felonies are reported
to the local police department. All incidents are recorded and kept on file.
Everyone is encouraged to report any and all incidents to the Office of Public Safety. A
member of the department is then sent to the scene where he/she evaluates the
situation and takes the appropriate action. In the event of an emergency, prompt
communication is used to inform the appropriate administrators. The Public Safety
Office is a part of the University Service Center and is linked to all University buildings
by calling extension 4999 or ‘0’ for assistance. Wilkes University is considered private
property and access to its facilities or its programs is restricted to those individuals who
have justification for being present on campus. Identification and monitoring
procedures are utilized when required.
The Department of Campus Support Services offers several safety and security programs
to its students, faculty, staff, and administration.
C.A.R.E. - Campus Advisory Reporting Extension
“Campus Advisory Reporting Extension” or “CARE” is a program designed to allow
students and employees to phone in anonymous information regarding safety and
security concerns (e.g. potentially dangerous situations, suspected criminal activity, etc.)
both on campus and in the community.
If making the report from an on-campus phone, dial CARE (2273); or if making a report
from an off-campus phone, dial 408-CARE (408-2273). All calls will be fielded by a
digital answering machine which will not be able to identify the incoming caller’s
extension or phone number.
Each message received will be handled by one of the Managers or by the Director for
Capital Projects and Planning, depending on the concern. Additionally, each message
will be logged and given its due attention and follow-up.
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