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External Law Enforcement on VCU Property

Frequently Asked Questions

The VCU Police Department has received questions from VCU students, staff, and community members regarding external law enforcement presence on campus. Below are some answers to some common requests:

1. What should I do if I encounter external agents on campus?

Stay calm and courteous and follow these steps:

  • State your lack of authority. Say, "I am not authorized to let you enter a restricted I will call our university police department now so they may speak with you."
  • Do not answer questions about employees or students, or give out any information. If pressed, say, “I am not authorized to respond to questions but will call our university police department, which may be able to do so.”
  • Contact VCU Police. Call 828-1234 or 828-1196 immediately with the law enforcement official’s location. Provide any identifying information about the agent that is available.
  • Do not attempt to physically obstruct law enforcement activities, even if the agents ignore requests to wait for the VCU Police to arrive.

2. How should I handle warrants, judicial orders, or subpoenas?

If presented with a document, including an arrest or search warrant, a judicial order or a subpoena, ask the external agent to wait while you contact VCU Police to review the document and provide assistance. Do not accept any document on behalf of another person or a university office if you have not been authorized to do so.

3. Are there mental health resources available if I am concerned about external law enforcement activity?

Yes.

4. Where can members of the VCU community find legal help for individual or personal matters?

The Virginia State Bar offers a lawyer referral service for a $35 fee. For more information about setting up a thirty-minute consultation with a Virginia lawyer, please visit:  https://vsb.org/Site/VLRS/Public/Referral-1.aspx.

The National Immigration Law Center and the ACLU offer resources regarding immigration. For more information, please visit:

Virginia Commonwealth University is a nationally renowned public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of all members of its community. VCU student, faculty and staff groups and associations are open without regard to any characteristic or identity protected by law.