Mission Statement & Oath of Office

The primary purpose of the William & Mary Police Department is to support the greater university community in their core pursuits of teaching, research and public service.

"It is imperative that we provide police, public safety, emergency communications, and emergency management services in a manner that not only keeps people safe, but also ensures that people feel safe in their environment.

It is our job to enhance the W&M student experience; facilitate faculty and staff efforts; and to partner with all W&M community members to solve problems, prevent crime, foster personal safety, protect property, maintain order for the  normal operation of the University, and effectively address criminal activity."

William & Mary Police Department Oath of Office

I, [state your name], will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and will faithfully perform my duties in a manner consistent with the stated mission, philosophical and ethical foundation of our work, and the Departmental and university values. I will strive to establish and maintain social relationships and ultimately build public trust through the tenets of Integrity, Community, Professionalism, and Fair and Impartial Policing.

I will perform my duties in the spirit of the W&M community policing philosophy and consistent with the needs of the greater W&M College community. I will enforce the law “courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence.”

I recognize the weight of constitutional responsibility that comes with this oath of office. I accept my police badge as an important symbol of public trust and I will always wear it with pride and honor. I will help maintain the integrity of our profession by my own actions, as well as, by holding other officers accountable for their actions. I recognize that my authority begins and ends with the people that we serve. I accept that public faith, community trust, and professional support will continue to the extent that I nurture community relationships and stay true to the values and ethics of the police service, the William & Mary Police Department and William & Mary.