Submit your questions by email to any of the police officers listed in the Police Directory. You will receive an email response to your question. Some of the questions and answers will be posted on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about crime in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police Department, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI, are the major elements in a crime-prevention network that includes the campus police departments of all Pittsburgh colleges and universities. Students attending Carnegie Mellon benefit from the cooperative relationship the University Police enjoys with federal, state, county and city police agencies.

What does this cooperation involve?
The University Police participates with area law enforcement agencies in apprehending alleged criminals and in joint crime prevention programs, training classes, community service activities and memberships in mutual professional organizations.

What happens when a student discovers a theft or other crime?
Reports of theft or other crimes are reported to University Police for investigation. Resident assistants are key in reporting criminal activity in the residence halls and are required to keep a log of incidents occurring during their shifts. When appropriate, staff from Housing or Student Affairs may be involved in answering a call for assistance.

Are firearms permitted on campus?
No. The university prohibits the possession or use of firearms, as well as any other weapons, in or near the residence halls or on university property. Only sworn University Police personnel are authorized to carry weapons while on duty. While off duty, no member of the department is permitted to possess a weapon on campus property. Police training includes daylight and nighttime qualification with firearms including the legal, moral and practical aspects of carrying a weapon.

How is the campus environment maintained for safe lighting and walkways?
University Police personnel assess the physical condition of campus facilities (including landscaping, grounds keeping and outdoor lighting) on their regular patrols of university property. All police staff and members of the campus community can report deficient physical conditions to the university's Facilities Management Services via the campus-wide electronic mail system or by calling University Police directly.

Does the university consider criminal records in admission or employment?
Yes, for specific job classifications, such as security personnel. The application for admission to Carnegie Mellon does not request information concerning any previous criminal convictions; consequently the criminal records of applicants for admission to the university are not reviewed by the Office of Admission. The university recognizes its responsibility and therefore evaluates an enrolled student's status with the university in the event of his or her criminal conviction in public court.

What is the university's disciplinary role if a student is convicted of a criminal offense?
The University Committee on Discipline may review the case when a student has been convicted in public courts of serious crimes. Special attention is given to circumstances that constitute a potential threat against the university's ability to function in whole or in part. In such a review the committee will determine whether the student's presence at the university will endanger the university community. For details on the disciplinary review of students, consult the Student Handbook.