University of Richmond Police Department Awarded State Grant Funding to Support COVID-19 Related Work and Supplies

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND ─ The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded the University of Richmond Police Department funding to support the University’s efforts related to COVID-19 preparation, response, and protection.

The grant funds will provide funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, including face shields, protective eyewear, gloves, gowns, hazmat bags, masks, and thermometers. The funds will also support overtime hours for police officers staffing the university’s student testing site. 

“From the beginning of the pandemic, URPD officers have been among the many frontline workers on campus —  including our partners in custodial services, residence life, dining, facilities, and more — to support campus operations and most importantly protect our students and other members of our campus community,” said Police Captain Eric Beatty. “When someone on campus becomes ill for any reason, the first person they often encounter is a URPD officer, and these funds will keep us safe as we respond to the needs of our campus.”

The University of Richmond Police Department consists of 22 sworn officers, five security officers, six communications officers, and one civilian position.

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The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.