Emergency Communications Center
A minimum of four certified professional communications officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the Emergency Communications Center, providing communications support to the department and the community. They answer all calls for service and coordinate the efforts of the Security Escort Service and police officers, all of whom are monitored and dispatched throughout each shift.
State-of-the-art computer systems allow the staff to speak with a complainant while the call is simultaneously being dispatched to police for assistance. When calling for service or an emergency, please help the communications officer. Be prepared to state:
- WHERE you are calling from.
- WHAT is the nature of your call.
- WHEN the event occurred.
- WHO you are.
The Emergency Communications Center is also a general information center for the university. Communications officers provide directions, bus schedules, campus events and other miscellaneous information to the community.
The Emergency Communications Center is located at 938 W. Grace St. Anyone may call or visit in person, 24 hours a day, to report emergency or non-emergency needs. Our staff members are always willing to help.
Remember that the VCU Police (emergency number) is (804) 828-1234 or VCU-HELP (828-4357). The VCU Police (non-emergency number) is (804) 828-1196 or VCU-COPS (828-2677). The Security Escort Service number is (804) 828-WALK (9255).
Emergency Response Telephone System
There are more than 320 ERTS phones located at various areas throughout each campus. They connect directly with the Emergency Communications Center. Outdoor ERTS phones are yellow call boxes labeled “VCU Police,” while indoor ERTS phones are red dial-less wall phones. Simply push the button or lift the receiver to connect with VCU Police.
