About Us


GVPD police officers in a staggered line, wearing their blue patrol uniforms, posing in front of the Student Services fountain. K9 dog Koda is laying in front. One officer, a detective is in plain clothes. The officers are smiling.

Grand Valley Police

The GVSU Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws of the State of Michigan and University rules and regulations. Sworn police officers patrol and respond to incidents on both the Allendale and Grand Rapids Campuses. Additional services provided by our police department include traffic control, valuable lost and found property, 24 hour non-emergency dispatch, motorist assists, and emergency closing announcements. The department is staffed by 20 sworn law enforcement officers, 3 clerical staff members and several student employees. Additional law enforcement, fire, and medical support is provided through Allendale Fire Rescue, Georgetown Fire Rescue, Grand Rapids Fire Department, LIFE EMS, AMR EMS, Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority, the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, and the Michigan State Police.

Security employees, 4 in uniform, and 1 supervisor in plain clothes, posing in front of the Student Services fountain. Subjects are smiling.

Grand Valley Security

Grand Valley Security has non-sworn officers on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We operate in both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.


Accreditation

Grand Valley Police Department maintains accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), confirming that GVPD meets or exceeds internationally recognized best practices of law enforcement agency standards. The standards provide an agency with best practices for policy, procedure and accountability. Each year, GVPD must provide CALEA with proofs of compliance for hundreds of standards to maintain accreditation. 

GVPD was initially accredited through CALEA in November 2022. Reaccreditation will be occurring from 2022 to 2026, with GVPD preparing for its next on-site inspection in May 2026. 

CALEA Public Comment Portal


Watch to Learn More About GVPD!

Grand Valley Police Department 2021 Orientation Video


Do what is right. Do your best. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

As an expectation of the law enforcement officers and staff of this department, we pursue our values in all services we provide to the Grand Valley State University community. Grand Valley State University has identified a strategic plan. While the mission, vision, and values of the university are primarily academically based, the organizational values of this institution are indicative of the services we provide to those who work, live, and learn at GVSU.


Code of Ethics

Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety endorses the International Association of Chief’s of Police Code of Ethics as a value statement of this department. 

"As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.

I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession . . . law enforcement."

GVNext News

The top of a carillon with a clock is shown with tree branches in the foreground.

Multiple emergency system test alerts planned for this week

A national test is slated for Oct. 4, while the GVSUAlert! test is Oct. 6.

Oct 2, 2023

A photo of the Cook Carillon Tower.

GVSU to hold campus safety briefings following MSU tragedy

Grand Valley will host two safety briefings, one in Allendale and one in Grand Rapids, on February 23rd to provide the campus community with information about the plans and systems in place at GVSU should there be an active shooting event.

Feb 21, 2023

New GVPD officers pose alongside President Mantella

Police Department welcomes two new officers

President Mantella swore in the officers this week. They will spend their first few months training.

Feb 9, 2023

Grand Valley and CALEA officials pose with GVSU's CALEA law enforcement certificate.

Grand Valley Police achieve 'gold standard' for law enforcement accreditation

Department is the only one among Michigan colleges and universities to acheive CALEA certification

Dec 7, 2022

Picture of a Grand Valley State University Police hat

Grand Valley Police invite public comment for accreditation

GVPD seeks accreditation from top law-enforcement authority

Jul 1, 2022

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Page last modified February 20, 2023