Staff Excellence: Purdue University Police Department

At Purdue University, the pursuit of excellence at scale is a collective endeavor that relies heavily on the efforts of its dedicated and talented staff. From supporting faculty in their groundbreaking research to fostering student success to ensuring the seamless operation of the university’s many functions, staff members play a pivotal role across campus. 

Purdue Today is recognizing these efforts with its “Staff Excellence” series, which today focuses on the Purdue University Police Department. 

35,721. That is how many calls for service the Purdue University Police Department has received so far in 2023. That number has already surpassed 2022’s total of 33,601.

“Purdue has seen an increase in enrollment, and our department has new ways to report bicycle thefts, which may be reflected in our department’s numbers. There are more people on campus needing help with a variety of issues, including theft, vehicle unlocks and traffic assistance,” says PUPD Chief Lesley Wiete. “Not only have our calls for service increased, our case numbers and traffic stops have also increased.”

Dispatchers and officers who respond to many of these calls make up the patrol division. This division is the largest one within the department and includes four different day and night shifts. Wiete says that while dispatchers and officers are often on the front lines of the department, it takes several divisions and individuals to operate a police department.

Administrative Services works more behind the scenes. It includes the training division, investigations division and special-event security operations. Administrative Services also oversees the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) reaccreditation program. The program requires PUPD to comply with standards that provide guidance and best practices related to police procedures. 

Special Services includes records, IT, the fleet, equipment and uniform inventory. This division also oversees the Student Security Patrol program, a group of students who assist the department and provide the Safe Walk Program.

More outward-facing are the outreach programs offered by PUPD. Some of these programs include verbal de-escalation training, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training and K-9 demonstrations.

“Each of these divisions plays a vital role in the collective success of the department,” Wiete says. “I am grateful to have such dedicated, hard-working individuals as part of my team. They deserve to be recognized for the excellence they demonstrate every day to keep our campus safe and secure.”

Wiete says to help keep the department accountable, PUPD complies with the Clery Act, which ensures people are properly informed about campus crimes. PUPD has a daily crime log, which documents all crimes reported to the department.

“It’s important that we, as a police department, continue to put our best efforts forward, hold ourselves accountable and achieve the standards set by the CALEA reaccreditation — all while meeting the needs of the campus community in a reliable and timely manner,” Wiete says.

The community can also keep up with the department through PUPD’s recently refreshed X/Twitter account. Follow @Purdue_Police for the latest updates and information from the department. 

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Recognizing and highlighting the excellent standards met by the men and women of the police department is just one of the ways the organization helps power Purdue.