Message from the Chief
How can we help you?
William & Mary police officers have the same training and police authority, including powers of arrest, as do all other police officers in Virginia. However, our fundamental approach to policing is specifically college-based. We work to protect our community and to enhance their quality of life consistent with the context and mission of an institution of higher education. W&M police officers must possess a wide range of abilities to perform our jobs effectively in this environment.
It is our job to enhance the W&M student experience; facilitate faculty and staff efforts in their academic, administrative and research endeavors; and to partner with all W&M community members in our efforts to protect life and property while upholding the Constitution of the United States. We constantly strive to engage our community and maintain our student focus.
We work with integrity and the notion that every action undertaken corresponds to a specific value. Helping you is not only one of our values…it is our promise. To us working for WMPD is more than just a job. Our badge symbolizes our sincere commitment and strong dedication to the entire W&M community.
Whether you are a student, faculty, staff member, alumni, or a visitor to our Campus, we want your experience at William & Mary to be a safe and enjoyable one. The William & Mary Police Department provides professional police, public safety, emergency communications, and emergency management services that include active police patrol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; crime prevention services; critical incident response; criminal investigation; Rape Aggression Defense training; and victim/witness support.
Please take the time to browse our website which is designed to provide you with more detailed information on the Department and the many services we offer. When you see us around campus, let us know if you have any safety or security questions or concerns. It is our pleasure to assist you.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Chief of Police at this prestigious and historic institution.
Don Butler, Chief of Police and Interim AVP for Public Safety
