Wright State Police Department honored for excellence in community policing

The Wright State University Police Department was named the July 2025 Agency of the Month by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Foundation in recognition of its outstanding community policing initiatives.

The award highlights Wright State’s commitment to proactive engagement, public safety education programming and strong partnerships across the university. The Police Department was selected for its creative and impactful outreach programs,

The recognition highlights Wright State’s innovative approach to campus safety through comprehensive community engagement and educational programming, which reflect the Police Department’s focus on relationship-building and prevention.

“This recognition is an honor for our department, but it truly reflects the strength of our Wright State community,” said Kurt Holden, chief of police and director of public safety. “We are only as good as the partnerships we build, and we’re proud to work alongside students, faculty and staff who are engaged, supportive and committed to making our campus a safe and welcoming place for all.”

The Wright State Police Department offers year-round weekly training sessions that are free and open to all students, faculty and staff.

The department’s training program covers essential safety topics, including traffic safety, substance abuse prevention with NARCAN training and free kits, personal protection strategies and emergency response procedures. Sessions also address threats such as human trafficking awareness, identity theft prevention, active shooter response, suicide prevention through QPR training and sexual assault awareness.

Wright State’s Department of Public Safety provides around-the-clock police services through a fully certified staff of officers, detectives and dispatchers. The department collaborates closely with various university units, including Residential Life and Housing, Community Standards and Student Conduct, and Environmental Health and Safety, to ensure a safe and supportive campus experience.

The department’s mission aligns with Wright State University’s core values, as it continually seeks innovative ways to enhance the quality of service through strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff.

The Agency of the Month honor is part of the Sharing Ohio’s Best initiative, launched by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Foundation, to showcase excellence in community policing.