About OUPD
The Oakland University (OU) Department of Public Safety was established in 1967 following the recommendation of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, which stated that nine police officers and twenty firefighters were required to ensure public safety.
Allen H. Andrews, Jr., Director of Public Safety for Grosse Pointe Woods and former Lieutenant in charge of uniformed police at Michigan State University, served as a consultant.
Despite an enrollment growth of almost 2,500, the Department of Public Safety started with only six officers. In the face of budget austerity, the question of fire protection was pushed into the distant future.
The six-person staff allowed OU to have two officers on duty on each shift for three days a week and one person on duty on each shift for the other four days. The small staff meant that officers routinely worked sixteen hours straight only having to return for their next regular shift after a break of only eight hours.
In its first full year of service, the Department of Public Safety responded to 743 calls for service with 10 assault and battery cases logged during a thirteen-day period in July. Other calls that year included breaking and entering, grand larceny, petty larceny, car theft, liquor law violations, disorderly persons, delinquent persons, and drunk driving.
Thomas D. Strong served as OU's first Director of Public Safety. Strong served in the Navy and worked for the United States Secret Service prior to working for OU.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Oakland University Police Department is to serve the university community, protect life and property, and to enforce the law. We are committed to the concept of community policing and work diligently to develop and maintain partnerships for improving the quality of life for our campus community.
We take the issue of campus safety seriously and we will continue to work in developing new programs to make our campus as safe as possible. The members of the Oakland University Police Department are committed to reducing crime through effective implementation of crime prevention and intelligence driven policing strategies.
Furthermore, we will tenaciously investigate crimes when they occur to ensure the expeditious arrest and effective prosecution of criminal offenders. We will deliver the highest quality of police service possible, working in partnership with the campus community, and within the framework of the United States and the State of Michigan Constitution. We will always conduct ourselves as consummate professionals, both on and off duty.
Vision Statement
The Oakland University Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, performance, and excellence. We are dedicated to the principles of community partnerships and will always strive to support a diverse and inclusive campus that is a safe place to live, work, learn, and visit.
Value Statement
Providing exemplary service with DEDICATION, VIGILANCE & RESPECT.
Mark. B. Gordon
Chief of Police
(248) 370-3000
[email protected]
Terry Ross
Operations Lieutenant
(248) 370-3339
[email protected]
Nicole Thompson
Administrative Lieutenant
(248) 370-2721
[email protected]
Full-time opportunities
- 911 Dispatcher
- Police Officer
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Information Technology Specialist
- Administrative Support Staff
Full-time career opportunities can be viewed at University Human Resources.
Student employment opportunities
- Service Aide
- Support Services Technician
Other student job opportunities can be viewed at OU Handshake.
Through the years, the Oakland University Police Department has seen hundreds of employees come and go. Some retire, others move on to successful local, state, or federal law enforcement jobs, and some move on to different careers altogether. Whether you served the Oakland University community as a sworn, civilian, or student employee, we encourage you to keep in touch with us through the below alumni groups. We'd love to hear what you are doing now!
Oakland University Police Alumni groups are open to current and former employees of the Oakland University Police Department.
Oakland University Police Department
201 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4451
(location map)
Campus Phone: 911
Cell Phone and Non-Emergency: (248) 370-3331
Campus Status Hotline: (248) 370-2000
Hours of Operation: 24/7 Lobby and Communications
Fax: (248) 370-3341
Oakland University Police Department
201 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4451
(location map)
Campus Phone: 911
Cell Phone and Non-Emergency: (248) 370-3331
Campus Status Hotline: (248) 370-2000
Hours of Operation: 24/7 Lobby and Communications
Fax: (248) 370-3341