Frequently Asked Questions

Students, parents, faculty, and staff members often have a variety of questions about their personal safety and the services provided by the Trinity Washington University Department of Public Safety. Below you will find a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you would like more information about any of these subjects, please feel free to contact us at 202-884-9111.

Is the Trinity Washington University campus safe?

The University is located in one of the safest areas in the city. However, no college campus is free from crime. We recommend that all members of the community take reasonable precautions to protect themselves. The Trinity Washington University Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a variety of services to make the campus safer. These services include response to calls for service for emergencies and non-emergencies, after hours escorts and crime prevention programming.

In addition to services offered to students, the Trinity Washington University Department of Public Safety works closely with a variety of partners at the local, state, and Federal level to provide a safe atmosphere at the university.

What is the most prevalent crime on campus?

Property crimes are the most prevalent crimes on the Trinity campus. There are an average of 8 thefts reported to Trinity DPS annually.

The Trinity Washington University Department of Public Safety cannot stress enough that members of the community take responsibility for the security of their personal property. In addition to securing your own belongings, you should immediately report behavior that looks suspicious to Trinity DPS by calling 202-884-9111.

Help us be proactive against theft. If you see something suspicious, say something.

How do I report a crime, suspicious person, or suspicious activity?

Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests should report all criminal and public safety related incidents directly to Trinity DPS at 202-884-9111.

Where is the University’s lost and found?

Lost and found items recovered by community members or Trinity DPS officers are stored at the Trinity DPS Dispatch Desk located in the basement of Main Hall. When recovered, lost items are logged in a record book and stored by Trinity DPS for thirty days. Items are available for pick up from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, except when the University is closed.

What should I do about a lost Student Identification Card?

Lost Student ID cards should be reported to Trinity DPS immediately.

Lost Student ID cards should be turned in to the Trinity DPS Dispatch Desk located in the basement of Main Hall.

In order to receive a replacement Student ID card, the student will need to pay a $15 replacement fee to the Trinity Business Office and then bring the receipt to the Trinity DPS Main Dispatch Desk located in the basement of Main Hall. A new student ID can be printed on Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.

Can Trinity DPS officers make arrests?

No. Trinity Washington University employs licensed Security Officers but their powers of arrest are no more than any citizen.

What steps has the University taken to protect students in the event of a citywide or nationwide emergency?

Trinity DPS is responsible for alerting students in the event of a citywide or nationwide emergency. Trinity DPS will coordinate a response with the University’s administrators, and city, state, and Federal partners. Rest assured that the University is prepared to provide students with the information necessary to respond to large scale emergencies.

Every member of the Trinity community should maintain a level of preparedness that allows them to be ready for any type of unpredicted emergency event.