Officer Interactions

As a member of the DePauw community, the occasion may arise when you may interact with a Police Officer from the Public Safety Office.  This could happen for a variety of reasons.  The officer may be investigating a crime or they may believe you are a witness and have information that might be helpful. 

In all cases, if an officer asks you to identify yourself, you are required by Indiana State Law IC 34-28-5-3.5 and DePauw University code of conduct, number 16,  to produce identification or give personal identity information including your name, address, date of birth, etc.  

If the officer is investigating a crime or complaint, they may also ask reasonable questions to help them determine whether a crime has occurred or a complaint is valid.  Refusal to answer questions may prevent an officer from gathering all necessary information.  If an officer stops you, you should do your best to try to answer the questions the officer poses.

Running from Public Safety Police Officers is not advised in any situation.  It is an additional violation of State Law and the University’s Code of Conduct to flee or resist Public Safety Police Officers, as well as any other local law enforcement Officers.

Ordinarily, a police officer will not detain you for an unreasonable amount of time and may not arrest you without cause.  If you are placed under arrest, the officer must tell you with what crime you are charged.  Individual cases must be reviewed by a judge for cause within 48 hours. 

If you are given a citation by a Public Safety Police Officer, this is a state citation and in addition to a referral to the Community Standards Committee.  You will receive communication from the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office, usually in the form of a summons to court with an assigned court date.  Community Standards will also contact you in regards to the University’s process.

If during any encounter with a DePauw Public Safety Police Officer you feel that the officer has acted unprofessionally or inappropriately, contact the Office of Public Safety Director during normal business hours, 765-658-4261 or police@depauw.edu

Note:  The contents of this page are intended to provide useful information to the general public.  It should not be construed as legal advice or counsel.  You should consult an attorney who may advise you of your specific legal rights and remedies in a given circumstance.